Full Breakdown
Investigation of Jet Crash Killing Greg Biffle and Six Others
5/22/2026, 11:22:17 PM
Fatal Return Attempt at Statesville Regional Airport
On Thursday a Cessna C550 business jet took off from Statesville Regional Airport, then attempted an immediate return. About a third of a mile from the runway it struck light poles and a tree line, igniting a fire. All seven aboard—former NASCAR champion Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, their children Ryder (5) and Emma (14), friend Craig Wadsworth, pilot Dennis Dutton and his son Jack—were killed.
Aviation Background of Greg Biffle and the Cessna C550
Greg Biffle, 55, held FAA ratings for helicopters and for single- and multi-engine airplanes, but was not qualified for the C550 model. The Cessna Citation 550 series, with about 1,000 built, is described as a reliable, easy-to-fly jet with a strong safety record.
Passengers and Crew on the Flight
The flight carried three licensed pilots: Dennis Dutton, rated for the C550 and required a co-pilot; his son Jack Dutton, licensed for single-engine; and Greg Biffle, who held a multi-engine rating but lacked C550 qualification. The remaining occupants were Biffle’s family and his friend Craig Wadsworth.
Flight Path Anomalies and Aircraft Data
Flight data show the aircraft rose from about 1,800 feet (550 m) to 4,000 feet (1,220 m) before descending again, ultimately flying a few hundred feet above ground before impact. Investigators noted the plane was too low for a safe landing.
NTSB Investigation and Official Responses
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) sent investigators on Friday, recovered the cockpit voice recorder, and began examining the wreckage. NTSB member Michael Graham said no emergency calls were detected. State officials said the airport will stay closed through Saturday while the probe continues.
Concerns Over Crew Qualifications and Decision-Making
Aviation safety expert John Cox noted no crew member held a second-in-command rating, raising questions about crew composition. Former NTSB and FAA crash investigator Jeff Guzzetti said accidents involving this jet type have historically stemmed from poor pilot decisions.
Discrepancies and Unresolved Questions
Authorities have not identified a definitive lead pilot. The lack of an emergency radio transmission and the precise technical cause of the loss of control remain unexplained, leaving key gaps.
Verbatim Quotes
- “They were not aware of any emergency calls from the jet, NTSB member Michael Graham said at a Friday news conference.” — Michael Graham, NTSB member
- “There is nobody else that has a second-in-command type rating in the airplane. So there's a question on the crew,” — John Cox, aviation safety expert
- “One thing is certain: They were low. They were too low to make a safe landing on that runway,” — Jeff Guzzetti, former NTSB and FAA crash investigator
- “ Cessna Citations like the one that crashed Thursday are known as reliable, easy-to-fly jets.” — John Cox, aviation safety expert
Upcoming Investigation Steps
The recovered cockpit voice recorder could provide important clues about what happened as the NTSB continues its investigation.
