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NTSB Releases Preliminary Report in Greg Biffle Plane Crash
New details emerge after the preliminary report in the Greg Biffle plane crash is released.
Jan. 30, 2026 at 5:07pm
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The preliminary National Transportation Safety Board report on the December plane crash that killed seven people, including former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, details who was flying the plane and some of the potential issues. No probable cause was released, but the report stated that the pilot, Dennis Dutton, was required to have a certified co-pilot, but his son Jack, who had 175 hours of flying experience, was not certified to be a co-pilot. The report also indicated that the altitude indicator was not working properly and that additional left-side flight instruments may not have been working properly.
Why it matters
The plane crash that killed Greg Biffle, a former NASCAR driver with 19 Cup series wins and championships in the truck and Xfinity Series, has raised questions about the safety and regulations surrounding private plane travel. Biffle was known for his humanitarian efforts, including his Hurricane Helene recovery efforts, and his death has been deeply felt within the NASCAR community.
The details
The Cessna Citation 550 crashed nine minutes after takeoff when attempting to return to Statesville (N.C.) Regional Airport. It landed about 1,030 feet short of the runway and erupted into flames. Seven people died in the crash: Biffle; his wife Cristina Grossu; his children, 14-year-old Emma and 5-year-old Ryder; pilots Dennis Dutton and his son Jack; and Biffle employee Craig Wadsworth. They were traveling to Florida with the first stop in Bradenton to see racer and content creator Cleetus McFarland.
- The plane crash occurred in December.
- The NTSB released its preliminary report on January 30, 2026.
The players
Greg Biffle
A former NASCAR driver with 19 Cup series wins and championships in the truck and Xfinity Series.
Dennis Dutton
The primary pilot of the plane, who was required to have a certified co-pilot.
Jack Dutton
The co-pilot of the plane, who had 175 hours of flying experience but was not certified to be a co-pilot.
Cristina Grossu
Greg Biffle's wife, who died in the crash.
Emma Biffle
Greg Biffle's 14-year-old daughter, who died in the crash.
What’s next
The NTSB will likely release its final report on the probable cause of the crash in 12-18 months.
The takeaway
This tragic plane crash has raised concerns about the safety and regulations surrounding private plane travel, particularly the requirement for certified co-pilots. The loss of Greg Biffle, a beloved NASCAR driver known for his humanitarian efforts, has deeply impacted the racing community.
