Retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle was tragically killed in a plane crash last month, along with six others. Initial investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) revealed that Biffle wasn’t the pilot of the aircraft; instead, it was an experienced airline pilot, Dennis Dutton. However, the person in the copilot seat, Dutton’s son Jack, did not have the qualifications necessary for that role.
Before the crash, the flight encountered several issues. Biffle, the Duttons, and the pilot detected problems with the aircraft’s gauges shortly before attempting to return to Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina. The plane crashed just a third of a mile from the runway, igniting a large fire upon impact.
A key point from the NTSB report is that Jack Dutton was not qualified to be the copilot. With only about 175 hours of flying experience, he lacked the necessary endorsement to act in that capacity. Aviation safety consultant Jeff Guzzetti emphasized that having a qualified copilot could have made a difference. “This airplane requires two trained pilots,” he noted. “Without one, things can go wrong quickly.”
Before takeoff, the aircraft showed signs of malfunction. A thrust reverser indicator light was out, and upon takeoff, more gauges began failing. The pilot moved to troubleshoot the issues and briefly transferred control to Jack Dutton. Unfortunately, the cockpit voice recorder sometimes cut out, leaving gaps in the investigation.
John Cox, CEO of Safety Operating Systems, shared his thoughts on the complexity of the situation. He suggested that the failing instruments may have played a more significant role in the crash than the copilot’s inexperience. “In the clouds, with failing flight instruments, you are in a serious situation,” he explained.
Despite some initial success in resolving the gauge issues, it remains unclear why the plane approached the ground flying low and slow, hitting two landing light poles before crashing. The throttle was found in the full forward position, indicating a last-minute attempt to gain altitude.
This unfortunate incident took the lives of Biffle’s wife, Cristina, their two children, and a close friend, Craig Wadsworth. Known for his remarkable racing career, which included over 50 wins in NASCAR, Biffle was also recognized for his humanitarian efforts following Hurricane Helene. In 2024, he used his helicopter to assist with aid deliveries in North Carolina.
NASCAR’s community mourned his loss at a memorial service in Charlotte, gathering to celebrate his life and contributions.
This incident shines a light on aviation safety and the dire consequences that can arise from non-compliance with regulations. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), employing an unqualified copilot can result in serious penalties, including license suspensions. Reports suggest that while the FAA may not have been aware of the unqualified copilot at the time, incidents like this raise important questions about safety oversight in aviation.
In a world where flying is commonplace, these events remind us of the importance of training and thorough checks in ensuring safe air travel.
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Jack Dutton, General news, Greg Biffle, John Cox, Dennis Dutton, Craig Wadsworth, Aviation safety, Plane crashes, North Carolina, Accidents, National Transportation Safety Board, Send to Apple News, NC State Wire, Auto Racing, NASCAR racing, Transportation, U.S. news, Sports, Federal Aviation Administration, Jeff Guzzetti
