NTSB Outlines Lengthy Investigation into Tragic Greg Biffle Plane Crash

STATESVILLE, NC – The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has commenced a comprehensive investigation into the aviation incident that tragically claimed the lives of former NASCAR Cup Series star Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina Grossu Biffle, their daughter Emma, son Ryder, and three other individuals on Thursday morning at Statesville Regional Airport. While a preliminary report is expected within 30 days, a complete and definitive analysis of the crash is anticipated to take between 12 and 18 months.

During a press conference held on Friday afternoon, NTSB Member Michael Graham, accompanied by Investigator-In-Charge Dan Baker, provided a detailed overview of the investigative process. Graham outlined the initial phases, which are focused on meticulous evidence gathering and extensive witness interviews. These early steps are crucial in piecing together the sequence of events leading up to the fatal crash.

The aircraft involved was a Cessna 550, registered to the former NASCAR driver. It reportedly went down at approximately 10:15 a.m. local time, just ten minutes after departing Statesville Regional Airport. The plane crashed on the approach end of Runway 28. The six fatalities include Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina Grossu Biffle, their daughter Emma, and son Ryder. Also confirmed among the deceased were long-time NASCAR associate Craig Wadsworth, who had a close working relationship with Biffle, and Dennis and Jack Dutton.

The impact of the crash created an extensive debris field, estimated to span approximately 1,800 feet. A critical piece of evidence, the cockpit voice recorder (CVR), has been transported to Washington, D.C., for detailed analysis. Graham highlighted the significant scope of the debris field, stating, "It’s fairly long so it’s scattered wide and out so it’s going to take some time to document all that." He further elaborated on the challenges posed by the conditions, noting, "We were unable to get our drone launched today with the high winds but we want to get that digitally documented with the drone tomorrow so hopefully we can get a better idea of how wide and how much debris is out there."

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A key element under investigation is the identity of the pilot at the controls during the flight. NTSB officials confirmed that while three of the occupants held pilot licenses, the specific individual piloting the Cessna 550 at the time of the crash remains unverified. "At this time, we have been unable to verify who was piloting the airplane," Graham stated. "Three of the occupants did possess pilots’ licenses but we have been unable to verify (who was piloting) as of this time. That is one of the things we are working on." The Cessna 550 is a twin-engine jet capable of being operated by a single pilot with appropriate certification or by two pilots. The NTSB is working to determine the operational configuration of the aircraft during this flight.

Evidence gathered at the scene indicates that the initial impact occurred just short of the runway, with the aircraft then continuing onto the runway itself. Responding to a question about the impact point, Graham confirmed, "Yes, it did hit the ground before getting to the runway." He further clarified the proximity to the runway, stating, "Right in that vicinity is where the witness marks are. We’re still evaluating that."

In an effort to gather comprehensive information, the NTSB has issued a public appeal for any individuals who may possess relevant video or photographic evidence of the incident, or who may have witnessed the crash, to come forward. Such information can be submitted to the NTSB witness email account at [email protected].

Preliminary witness accounts suggest that the aircraft may have been reapproaching the runway at a low altitude. However, investigators are emphasizing that it is too early to draw definitive conclusions. "At this point, we are doing some interviews on site," Graham noted. "We’re looking for additional witnesses and that’s why I put that out in the briefing. But we don’t have anything to share. It’s much too early for that. That would go into our analysis section."

The NTSB has stated that they are not currently aware of any mechanical issues that the aircraft may have experienced prior to or during the flight. Similarly, speculation regarding the potential role of weather conditions in the incident has been deferred pending further analysis. Graham did acknowledge the environmental factors present at the time, stating, "The weather was visual flight rules but there were low ceilings out there and there was heavy drizzle at the time. So, that is one of the three things we mainly look at — the people operating the aircraft, we look at the aircraft itself and we look at the environment and the weather is one of the things we do and will look at." The investigation will systematically examine the interplay of pilot performance, aircraft condition, and environmental factors.

Greg Biffle, a veteran of NASCAR, competed in the Cup Series from 2003 to 2016. During his career, he achieved 19 victories, including the prestigious Daytona 500 in 2000 (though this was in the Busch Series, now Xfinity Series) and the Coca-Cola 600 in 2005. He was a consistent contender, known for his aggressive driving style and his affiliation with Roush Fenway Racing for the majority of his Cup Series tenure. His final Cup Series start came in 2016.

The NTSB’s methodical approach, involving detailed examination of flight recorders, wreckage analysis, witness testimonies, and environmental data, is designed to provide a thorough understanding of the factors that contributed to this tragic event. The extended timeline reflects the complexity inherent in aviation accident investigations, aiming to ensure that all potential contributing factors are identified and understood to enhance aviation safety in the future.

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