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Greg Biffle Cessna Crash Lawsuits

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Multiple wrongful death lawsuits filed after a December 18, 2025 Cessna 500 Citation II crash near Statesville, North Carolina killed seven people including former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, his wife, two children, and two pilots. NTSB investigation revealed altimeter malfunction and flight instrument issues. Dutton estates seek $15 million damages each, alleging inadequate aircraft maintenance. Questions raised about pilot qualifications and aircraft owner endorsements.

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1 reported locations
Geography of the reported facts
  1. Statesville, North Carolina, United States

The story so far

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2026-08-18 to 2026-11-15 · UTC publication dates

5documented facts ↓3related articles ↓

Coverage begins 2 May, 02:06 UTC

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What happened

The facts

  1. Cessna 500 Citation II aircraft crashes near Statesville, North Carolina, killing seven people

    A Cessna 500 Citation II aircraft owned by former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle crashed on December 18, 2025, shortly after takeoff from Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina. The crash killed seven people: Biffle (age 55), his wife Cristina (age 35), their son Ryder (age 5), their daughter Emma (age 14), pilot Dennis Dutton (age 67), copilot Jack Dutton (age 20), and family friend Craig Wadsworth (age 62). The aircraft erupted into a large fire when it struck the ground approximately one-third mile from the airport's runway.

    1 corroborating report

  2. Two wrongful death lawsuits filed by Dutton estates seeking $15 million each in damages

    Two wrongful death lawsuits were filed by the Dutton estates in connection with the December 18, 2025, plane crash. Each lawsuit seeks $15 million in damages. The lawsuits allege that Greg Biffle, as the owner of the aircraft, was responsible for ensuring proper maintenance and operation. The suits claim that inadequate maintenance and upkeep of the aircraft contributed to the crash.

    1 corroborating report

  3. Greg Biffle's racing career achievements and humanitarian efforts recognized

    Greg Biffle, age 55 at the time of his death, was a former NASCAR driver who won more than 50 races across NASCAR's three circuits, including 19 races at the Cup Series level. He won the NASCAR Trucks Series championship in 2000 and the Xfinity Series title in 2002. In 2024, Biffle was honored for his humanitarian efforts following Hurricane Helene, including using his personal helicopter to deliver aid to flooded and remote areas of western North Carolina.

    1 corroborating report

  4. Jack Dutton lacked required copilot endorsement on pilot's license for aircraft type

    Jack Dutton, who was sitting in the copilot seat when the aircraft crashed, did not have the required endorsement on his pilot's license to serve as a copilot on a Cessna 500 Citation II. Additionally, Greg Biffle, the aircraft owner, also lacked the proper endorsement to serve as a copilot on that aircraft type. Aviation safety consultant Jeff Guzzetti stated that the lack of an experienced copilot may have been a key factor in the crash.

    1 corroborating report

  5. NTSB preliminary report reveals altimeter malfunction and control transfer in Biffle plane crash

    The National Transportation Safety Board's preliminary report, released on January 30, 2026, revealed that pilot Dennis Dutton encountered an altimeter malfunction and attempted to return to Statesville Regional Airport. The report indicated that the left side flight instruments may not have been working properly. Dennis Dutton transferred control of the aircraft to his son Jack shortly before the crash. Both engines remained attached to their pylon structures and both thrust reversers were in the stowed position, with no evidence of uncontained engine failure.

    1 corroborating report

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