Father-son duo Dennis and Jack Dutton killed in Greg Biffle plane crash in Statesville

STATESVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA: A devastating plane crash in Statesville claimed the lives of seven people, including NASCAR driver Gregory Jack Biffle, his wife Cristina Grossu Biffle, and their children Emma and Ryder, and father-son duo Dennis Dutton and Jack Dutton.

The tragedy occurred on Thursday, December 18, shortly after the aircraft departed from Statesville Regional Airport. Authorities later confirmed that there were no survivors. News of the crash sent shockwaves through the NASCAR community and beyond, prompting an outpouring of tributes and condolences from fans, fellow drivers, and aviation professionals.

In addition to the Biffle family, the victims, included Dennis Dutton, his son Jack Dutton, and family friend Craig Wadsworth. Officials released the names of all seven victims later that day as investigators continued to examine the circumstances surrounding the crash.

NASCAR acknowledged the incident in a public statement, confirming the identities of those on board and expressing condolences to the families affected by the loss.

Who were Dennis Dutton and Jack Dutton

According to NASCAR’s press release, Dennis Dutton was a highly experienced and respected pilot. He served as an Airbus A330 captain for Delta Air Lines and was also a retired pilot officer with the United States Air Force Reserve. Colleagues described him as disciplined, skilled, and deeply passionate about aviation.

His son, Jack Dutton, was following a similar path. Jack was a flight student at Auburn University and had recently earned his Instrument Rated Private Pilot certification. Friends and family said aviation was more than a career goal for Jack; it was a shared bond with his father.

A joint family statement described the depth of the loss felt by everyone affected by the crash. “We are devastated by the loss of our loved ones. This tragedy has left all of our families heartbroken beyond words,” the statement read.

The families also remembered Greg and Cristina Biffle as devoted parents whose lives centered around their children. Emma Biffle was described as kind and deeply loved, while Ryder Biffle was remembered as joyful and curious. The statement added that Dennis and Jack Dutton were equally cherished, and their absence would be felt for years to come.

Local witness recounts deadly plane crash

Michael Wingo, a local resident, told The Charlotte Observer that he witnessed the crash from his front porch near Old Airport Road while letting his dog outside. His home sits near a field across from Statesville Regional Airport.

“I was standing right here with my dog,” Wingo said. “I looked over and saw it. When it exploded, I could feel the heat from here.”. 

Wingo immediately called 911 after the crash. He later said the plane’s trajectory continued to haunt him, noting that a slight change in direction could have resulted in even greater destruction. The tragedy became personal when he learned that one of the victims, Craig Wadsworth, was a close friend.

Investigators have not yet released details about the cause of the crash.