NTSB Cannot Confirm Who Piloted Plane in Greg Biffle Crash
New details have surfaced regarding the aircraft accident that claimed the lives of NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and his family, as the National Transportation Safety Board continues its investigation. However, officials remain uncertain about who was operating the plane.
“Currently, we have not been able to confirm who was piloting the aircraft,” NTSB board member Michael Graham announced during a press conference held Friday, December 19. “We are aware that three individuals on board possessed a pilot’s license, but we have been unable to verify this at this time. That is one aspect of the investigation we are focusing on.”
Graham did not identify the individuals with pilot licenses, although Biffle, 55, and Dennis Dutton, another passenger, were both certified pilots.
Reports emerged on Thursday, December 18, that a Cessna C550 belonging to Biffle crashed and ignited shortly after taking off from Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina. The business jet was scheduled to fly to Sarasota, Florida, then continue to the Bahamas. Following that, the plane was set to travel to Fort Lauderdale before returning to North Carolina.
“Around 10:15 am, an aircraft crashed while landing,” airport officials stated to The Charlotte Observer. “The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is en route and will investigate the incident.”
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A close friend of Biffle’s later disclosed on social media that the race car driver, along with his wife, Cristina Grossu, and his two children, were passengers on the plane when it crashed.
“Unfortunately, I can confirm Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma and son Ryder were on that plane … because they were on their way to spend the afternoon with us,” Garrett Mitchell wrote on Facebook. “We are devastated. I’m so sorry to share this.”
North Carolina Congressman Richard Hudson, also a friend of Biffle’s, confirmed the deaths of the athlete and his family members.
“I am heartbroken by the loss of Greg, Cristina, and their children, and my deepest sympathies go out to everyone who loved them,” he wrote on X. “They were friends who dedicated their lives to helping others. Greg was a tremendous NASCAR champion who entertained millions of fans. But he was also an exceptional person, and he will be remembered as much for his community service as for his fearlessness on the track.”
A statement from the families of the deceased confirmed on Thursday that three other people were killed in the crash.
“We are devastated by the loss of our loved ones. This tragedy has left all of our families heartbroken beyond words,” read the statement, which was shared on X by FOX Sports reporter Bob Pockrass. “Greg and Cristina were dedicated parents and active philanthropists whose lives revolved around their young son Ryder and Greg’s daughter Emma (mother — Nicole Lunders). Emma was a kind-hearted and wonderful person who was cherished by many. Ryder was an energetic, inquisitive, and infinitely joyful child.”
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The statement continued, “Dennis Dutton and his son Jack were deeply loved as well, and their loss is mourned by everyone who knew them. Craig Wadsworth was beloved by many in the NASCAR community and will be missed by those who knew him.”
The post concluded, “Each of them meant everything to us, and their absence leaves an immeasurable void in our lives. We request privacy, compassion, and understanding as we grieve and begin to process this unimaginable loss. We are grateful for the kindness and support extended to our families during this incredibly difficult time. At this moment, our focus is on honoring their lives and supporting one another.”
Biffle was a highly decorated NASCAR driver, achieving more than 50 wins throughout his career. In 2023, he was named one of the 75 best NASCAR drivers in history.
