NTSB Report on Biffle Plane Crash Sparks New Questions
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released a preliminary report on the tragic plane crash involving former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle. The accident occurred on December 18, 2025, when a Cessna Citation 550 crashed shortly after taking off from Statesville Regional Airport, located about 40 miles north of Charlotte, North Carolina. All seven individuals on board tragically lost their lives, including Biffle, his wife Cristina, their children Emma and Ryder, and family friend Craig Wadsworth.
NTSB Report Findings on the Plane Crash
The eight-page NTSB report outlines several mechanical issues that arose during the flight. However, it stops short of identifying a definitive cause of the crash. A final report, which may take until 2027 to be published, is expected to provide more answers.
- Date of Crash: December 18, 2025
- Affected Individuals: 7 (includes NASCAR star Greg Biffle and family)
- Type of Aircraft: Cessna Citation 550
- Take-off Location: Statesville Regional Airport
Pilot Information and Flight Conditions
The pilot of the ill-fated flight, Dennis Dutton, was in command but lacked a certified co-pilot. His son, Jack Dutton, who occupied the right seat, was not qualified to perform second-in-command duties for the aircraft. This key information has raised questions about whether having an inexperienced co-pilot contributed to the crash.
Weather conditions were deteriorating, with visibility decreasing as the aircraft made a left turn back towards Statesville. The preliminary report indicates that the aircraft encountered several issues, including:
- Instrument failures
- Initial left engine failure
- Power imbalance between engines
- Loss of cockpit voice recorder for approximately four minutes
Shortly before the crash, Jack Dutton communicated with air traffic control, expressing concerns about the flight’s performance. Despite Dennis Dutton’s experience as a pilot, the presence of only one qualified pilot may have played a significant role in the tragic outcome.
Community Impact and Memorials
The aviation community, along with NASCAR fans, has been deeply affected by this tragedy. A memorial service was held on January 16, 2026, at Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte, bringing together hundreds who mourned the loss of the victims. Many attendees reflected on the unresolved questions surrounding the incident.
Ongoing Questions and Future Reports
As this story unfolds, experts like Anthony Brickhouse, a former NTSB investigator and aviation safety consultant, point out that the report raises more questions than it answers. Factors leading to the crash appear to be numerous and interrelated, indicating that a thorough investigation will be necessary to understand the full scope of the tragedy.
While the NTSB report provides some initial insights, the aviation community and families affected by the crash await further details in the forthcoming final report. Until then, the emotional toll of this event continues to resonate within the community.
