NTSB Preliminary Report Details Fatal Crash Involving NASCAR Legend Greg Biffle
A preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has revealed that retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle was not at the controls of his private jet when it crashed last month, resulting in the tragic deaths of seven people, including Biffle himself. The investigation highlights significant instrument failures and the absence of a qualified copilot on board the ill-fated flight.
Instrument Malfunctions and Unqualified Crew
According to the federal safety officials' findings released on Friday, the Cessna C550 jet experienced multiple instrument issues both before and during the flight. Before takeoff from Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina, a thrust reverser indicator light was reported as non-functional. Once airborne, more critical failures emerged, with the pilot's altimeter and other instruments ceasing to operate correctly.
The NTSB confirmed that an experienced retired airline pilot, Dennis Dutton, was flying the aircraft. However, the report states that neither Greg Biffle nor Jack Dutton, Dennis's son who was seated in the copilot's position, held the necessary endorsement on their pilot licenses to serve as copilot for that specific plane. While it remains unclear if this lack of qualification contributed directly to the crash, it violated regulatory requirements for such flights.
Erratic Flight Path and Communication
Flight data analysed by investigators shows the jet's brief journey was marked by dramatic and erratic changes in altitude and speed. Shortly after departure, the aircraft rapidly climbed from approximately 1,800 feet to 4,000 feet before descending again. In the moments preceding the impact, it was flying just a few hundred feet above the ground.
Over the radio, Jack Dutton transmitted, "we're having some problems here," indicating the crew's awareness of the escalating situation. The cockpit voice recorder captured fragments of conversation between the three licensed pilots as they discussed the mounting technical difficulties. However, the investigation is complicated by intermittent gaps in the recorder's audio, and NTSB experts are still in the early stages of determining the precise cause of the crash.
Tragic Loss and Community Mourning
The crash claimed the lives of all on board: Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, their two children Ryder (5) and Emma (14), family friend Craig Wadsworth, and pilots Dennis and Jack Dutton. The aircraft erupted into a large fire upon impact about a third of a mile from the airport's runway, as it attempted to return for an emergency landing just ten minutes after takeoff.
Greg Biffle, aged 55, was a celebrated figure in NASCAR, with a career spanning over 50 race wins across the sport's top three circuits. His achievements included 19 victories at the elite Cup Series level, along with championship titles in the Trucks Series (2000) and the Xfinity Series (2002). Beyond racing, he was recognised for his humanitarian efforts, notably using his personal helicopter to deliver aid in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in 2024.
Earlier this month, hundreds from the NASCAR community gathered at an arena in Charlotte, North Carolina, for a public memorial service to honour Biffle's life and legacy. The crash has sent shockwaves through the motorsport and aviation communities, underscoring the ongoing investigation into the complex factors behind this devastating event.
