A devastating business jet crash near Statesville, North Carolina, has left the NASCAR community and beyond in mourning. Retired racing legend Greg Biffle, along with his wife Cristina, children Ryder and Emma, and three other individuals – pilots Dennis Dutton, his son Jack Dutton, and friend Craig Wadsworth – tragically lost their lives when the Cessna C550 they were aboard crashed shortly after takeoff.
The jet, registered to a company owned by Biffle, departed Statesville Regional Airport but attempted to return less than 10 minutes later. In drizzly, cloudy conditions, the plane plummeted to the ground, striking light poles and trees before erupting in a fiery wreck just a third of a mile from the runway.
Federal investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are on site, piecing together the events that led to the crash. They have recovered the cockpit voice recorder, hoping it will shed light on what transpired. A key focus of the investigation revolves around the crew’s qualifications; while some on board had pilot licenses, questions have arisen about who was specifically rated and qualified to co-pilot this particular multi-engine jet. The flight records also show the plane’s speed and altitude fluctuating significantly, suggesting the crew may have been battling an urgent issue.
Greg Biffle, 55, was a beloved figure, winning championships in NASCAR’s Truck and Xfinity series and 19 Cup Series races. Beyond the track, he was known for his humanitarian efforts. This tragic loss has deeply impacted many, as investigators continue their work to understand why this seemingly routine flight turned fatal.
