NTSB: Greg Biffle Not Flying When Cessna C550 Crashed
Preliminary NTSB report says the Cessna C550 struck the ground about a third of a mile from the Statesville runway, killing Greg Biffle and six others.
Overview
A preliminary National Transportation Safety Board report said Greg Biffle was not flying when the Cessna C550 crashed about a third of a mile from the Statesville Regional Airport runway.
The report said a thrust reverser indicator light was not working before takeoff, the pilot's altimeter and other instruments malfunctioned in flight, and the cockpit voice recorder cut out at times, complicating analysis.
Aviation safety consultant Jeff Guzzetti, a former NTSB and FAA investigator, said the lack of a trained copilot may have been a key factor, according to his statement to reporters.
Authorities said the crash killed Greg Biffle, 55; his wife Cristina; their children Ryder, 5, and Emma, 14; and friend Craig Wadsworth, for seven fatalities total.
NTSB investigators said they have only begun to examine causes and will analyze cockpit voice and flight data recorders plus pilot certifications and maintenance records as the investigation continues.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources present this coverage neutrally, relying on attributed facts and cautious language. They report NTSB findings, note instrument failures, and include an expert saying a lack of qualified copilot might matter—explicitly labeled as opinion. Uncertainties and ongoing investigation are emphasized, limiting editorial judgment or selective omission.
Sources (3)
FAQ
Dennis Dutton, an experienced retired airline pilot, was at the controls and performed the takeoff and departure. Jack Dutton was in the copilot seat communicating on the radio, but neither he nor Greg Biffle had the required endorsement to serve as copilot on the Cessna C550.
History
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