Getty

Greg Biffle stands in the garage during practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Checker O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix International Raceway on November 7, 2008, in Avondale, Arizona.

New legal action has been filed in connection with the deadly plane crash involving former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, marking a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the December tragedy.

According to multiple reports and court filings, two wrongful death lawsuits have been filed following the crash of a Cessna 550 near Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina — an incident that claimed multiple lives, including members of the Dutton family.

Families Allege Maintenance Failures

The lawsuits, filed by estates connected to victims of the crash, allege that Biffle — who owned the aircraft — was responsible for ensuring the plane was properly maintained and safe to operate.

The filings claim that failures tied to maintenance and upkeep may have contributed to the crash. One lawsuit is seeking $15 million in damages, while another seeks $10 million.

The allegations have not been proven in court.

Crash Occurred Shortly After Takeoff

The aircraft went down shortly after takeoff, with early reports indicating it attempted to return to Statesville Regional Airport before crashing less than a mile from the runway. The impact resulted in a fire, which investigators say played a major role in the fatalities.

Among those killed were Dennis Dutton, his son Jack, Greg Biffle’s wife Cristina, their two children, and other passengers on board the aircraft.

Key Questions Remain About What Happened in the Cockpit

While the lawsuits focus in part on aircraft maintenance, investigators are still working to determine the full sequence of events that led to the crash — including who was piloting the aircraft at the time.

A preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) pointed to a combination of potential mechanical issues and pilot-related factors.

This same report indicated that Dennis Dutton was flying the aircraft before turning control over to his son shortly before the crash. The report also noted that the plane’s altimeter was providing incorrect readings at the time.

Autopsy Findings Provided Some Clarity

As previously reported, an autopsy found that one of the victims died from smoke inhalation and thermal injuries sustained in the crash and the resulting fire.

While that finding clarified the cause of death, it did not resolve broader questions surrounding the crash itself, including the sequence of failures and decision-making in the cockpit.

Investigation and Legal Process Continue

The lawsuits come as scrutiny surrounding the crash has continued in the months since the incident. Authorities have not announced any criminal charges related to the crash, and the NTSB’s full investigation remains ongoing.

Biffle, a longtime NASCAR competitor and champion in both the Truck Series and Xfinity Series, remains connected to the case as the aircraft’s owner.

With civil litigation now underway, the case enters a new phase that could bring additional details to light as it moves through the court system.

For now, key questions remain unresolved, and both investigators and the courts will continue working to determine what led to the fatal crash.