Greg Biffle crash investigation raises new questions as plane instruments failed and no qualified copilot was onboard (Image via Getty)

The crash that killed NASCAR legend Greg Biffle and six others is now under closer focus after investigators shared new and troubling details. Federal safety officials say Biffle was not flying the plane when it went down last month. Instead, the jet was being flown by a retired Delta Airlines pilot, Dennis Dutton, while Biffle was seated inside the aircraft. According to a preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board, the plane began showing warning signs shortly after takeoff. Gauges inside the cockpit were not working properly, and the crew quickly realized something was wrong. The jet crashed on December 18, just minutes after leaving Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina. The Cessna C550 burst into flames when it hit the ground, killing everyone on board. Investigators say the pilot tried to turn back to the airport but crashed less than half a mile from the runway. The NTSB confirmed that while more than one licensed pilot was on board, no one else was qualified to act as the copilot on that aircraft.

The NTSB report states that Greg Biffle, pilot Dennis Dutton, and his son Jack Dutton all noticed problems with the plane’s instruments before the crash. One issue was a thrust reverser indicator light that was not working before takeoff. After the plane was in the air, the pilot’s altimeter and other key gauges also failed.Over the radio, Jack Dutton warned air traffic control, saying, “We’re having some problems here.” The cockpit voice recorder also captured parts of the pilots discussing the issues, though investigators say the recorder cut out at times, limiting what they can hear.The jet had been in the air for about ten minutes when it began changing speed and altitude. At one point, it climbed quickly from 1,800 feet to 4,000 feet, then dropped again. Just before crashing, it was only a few hundred feet above the ground. Experts told the NTSB the flight path matched a crew dealing with a sudden emergency and trying to land fast.Dennis Dutton’s former neighbor, Jonathan Donahue, said he heard something unusual moments after takeoff. Speaking to The US Sun, he said, “All I know is that there was a large, loud pop, like something broke on the plane at takeoff, and he immediately had to turn around and make an emergency landing.”The crash killed Biffle’s wife Cristina, his children Ryder, 5, and Emma, 14, along with family friend Craig Wadsworth. Days later, burglars broke into Biffle’s home and stole cash, firearms, and NASCAR memorabilia, according to local police reports.Greg Biffle, 55, won more than 50 races across NASCAR’s top three series, including 19 Cup Series wins. He was also honored in 2024 for using his personal helicopter to deliver aid after Hurricane Helene. Earlier this month, hundreds gathered in Charlotte to honor him at a public memorial service.