STATESVILLE, N.C. — Federal investigators have released a sobering preliminary report detailing the final moments of the December 18, 2025, plane crash that claimed the lives of NASCAR legend Greg Biffle, his family, and three others.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) report, published Friday, paints a picture of a flight plagued by multiple instrument failures and communication challenges shortly after departing from Statesville Regional Airport.
The Cessna Citation 550, registered to a company linked to Biffle, took off at approximately 10:06 a.m. ET bound for Sarasota, Florida. On board were seven people, including Biffle’s wife, Cristina, their daughter Emma (14), and son Ryder (5).
According to the report during the pre-flight ground crews reported the jet was fully fueled. During taxi, the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) captured the crew discussing an inoperative thrust reverser indicator light and a perceived power imbalance between the engines.
Shortly after takeoff, the pilot reported that his altitude indicator and other left-side flight instruments were malfunctioning.
The aircraft’s GPS system stopped recording airspeed and heading data during the climb, further complicating the emergency.
The aircraft reached approximately 4,500 feet before control was briefly transferred to a passenger in the right seat whose instruments appeared functional. The crew attempted to return to the airport as weather conditions worsened, with heavy drizzle and low cloud ceilings.
Despite the mechanical concerns, the crew visually acquired the runway and configured the plane for landing. However, the landing gear indicator lights failed to illuminate. Data shows the aircraft began losing critical airspeed and altitude on its final approach.
The jet struck a 29-foot-tall approach light structure approximately 1,380 feet short of the runway. It then careened through trees and airport infrastructure before coming to rest in the runway blast area, where it was consumed by a post-crash fire.
While the investigation is ongoing, the NTSB highlighted several critical factors:
Investigators found no evidence of pre-impact structural or engine failure. Both engines remained attached to the airframe.
The report confirmed that Dennis Dutton, a retired airline captain, was the primary pilot. His son, Jack, was in the right seat but was not qualified to serve as second-in-command for that specific aircraft.
Although a certified pilot himself, the NTSB determined Biffle was seated in the cabin and was not flying the aircraft at the time of the accident.
| Victim | Age | Relation/Role |
| Greg Biffle | 55 | Former NASCAR Champion |
| Cristina Biffle | 35 | Wife of Greg Biffle |
| Emma Biffle | 14 | Daughter |
| Ryder Biffle | 5 | Son |
| Dennis Dutton | 57 | Pilot |
| Jack Dutton | 20 | Passenger (Right Seat) |
| Craig Wadsworth | 64 | Family Friend/Associate |
A Legacy Remembered
The passing of Biffle has left a profound void in the racing world. A 19-time Cup Series winner and champion in both the Truck and Xfinity series, Biffle was a cornerstone of Roush Fenway Racing for over a decade. Beyond the track, he was recently hailed for his humanitarian work, using his own helicopter to assist victims of Hurricane Helene in 2024.
RFK Racing has already established a permanent tribute to the “Biff” at their Concord museum, ensuring his legendary consistency and professionalism are never forgotten.
The NTSB’s final report, which will determine the “probable cause” of the crash, is expected to take 12 to 18 months to complete.
