This article is based on an official preliminary report and investigation details released by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Preliminary Report.

NTSB Releases Preliminary Report on Statesville Cessna Citation Crash

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued its preliminary report regarding the December 18, 2025, crash of a Cessna Citation 550 in Statesville, North Carolina. The accident resulted in the fatalities of all seven occupants, including former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and members of his family.

Released on January 30, 2026, the report (Investigation ID WPR26MA063) provides the first official factual account of the flight’s final minutes. According to investigators, the Private-Jets was attempting to return to Statesville Regional Airport (KSVH) shortly after takeoff due to a reported engine issue when it impacted ground obstacles significantly short of the runway threshold.

While the preliminary document does not determine a probable cause, it establishes critical data points regarding the weather conditions, the pilot’s credentials, and the aircraft’s configuration at the time of impact.

Flight Sequence and “Rough Engine” Report

The flight departed Statesville Regional Airport at approximately 10:05 AM EST, intended for Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (KSRQ). The NTSB report indicates that the flight lasted only about 10 minutes.

Shortly after departure, the pilot contacted air traffic control to report an issue. According to the NTSB findings, witnesses described the problem as a “rough engine.” Consequently, the pilot requested an immediate return to Statesville.

Investigators confirmed that a passenger on board sent a text message to a family member during the brief flight. The message contained only two words:

“Emergency landing.”

, Text message sent by a passenger, as cited in the NTSB Preliminary Report

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Crash Circumstances and Weather Conditions

The NTSB confirmed that the crash occurred under Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC). Weather reports from the time of the accident indicate low cloud ceilings and heavy drizzle, which would have required the pilot to rely heavily on aircraft instruments for the approach.

According to the preliminary data, the aircraft was configured for landing with its gear down and landing lights illuminated. However, the plane was flying below the standard glide path for the runway.

The report details the impact sequence:

• The aircraft struck a runway lighting stanchion approximately 1,800 feet short of the runway threshold.
• Following the initial impact, the jet collided with trees, additional lighting structures, and a perimeter fence.
• The debris field extended approximately 180 feet from the initial point of impact.
• A severe post-crash fire consumed the majority of the fuselage and inboard wing sections.

Crew Certification and Single-Pilot Investigation

A significant portion of the NTSB’s factual gathering has focused on the crew composition and certification. The Cessna Citation 550 is certified for a two-pilot crew, though it can be operated by a single pilot if that pilot holds a specific “Single Pilot Exemption” and the aircraft is equipped with the necessary Avionics.

The pilot in command, Dennis Dutton, held an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate and a type rating for the Cessna Citation (CE-500). He was a commercial captain for a major airline. Seated in the co-pilot seat was his son, Jack Dutton.

However, the NTSB noted that Jack Dutton was a student pilot and did not hold a multi-engine rating or a type rating for the Citation. Therefore, he was not legally qualified to serve as Second-in-Command (SIC) for this specific aircraft.

Investigators are currently verifying whether Dennis Dutton held the required Single Pilot Exemption. If he did not hold this specific exemption, the flight would have legally required a qualified second pilot, which was not present.

Victim Identification

Authorities and the NTSB have confirmed the identities of the seven individuals lost in the Accident:

• Greg Biffle: Retired NASCAR driver and owner of the aircraft via GB Aviation Leasing LLC.
• Cristina Biffle: Wife of Greg Biffle.
• Emma Biffle: Daughter.
• Ryder Biffle: Son.
• Dennis Dutton: The pilot in command.
• Jack Dutton: Student pilot and son of Dennis Dutton.
• Craig Wadsworth: A family friend and member of the NASCAR community.

AirPro News Analysis

The distinction between a “rough engine” report and the final impact location is likely to be a central focus of the ongoing investigation. While engine trouble precipitates an emergency return, it does not automatically result in a crash short of the runway. The presence of Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) adds a layer of complexity.

In low-visibility approaches, altitude management is critical. The NTSB’s notation that the aircraft was stable but “lower than the standard glide path” suggests investigators will look closely at whether the engine issue affected the aircraft’s performance capabilities or if the high-workload environment of a single-pilot emergency return in bad weather contributed to spatial disorientation.

Furthermore, the regulatory scrutiny regarding the Single Pilot Exemption highlights the rigid Standards of corporate aviation. Even highly experienced airline captains must adhere to specific type-rating requirements when flying light jets alone. The absence of a qualified Second-in-Command, if an exemption was not in place, would be a significant regulatory finding.

Next Steps

The NTSB has recovered the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and transported it to their laboratory in Washington, D.C., for analysis. The aircraft was not equipped with a Flight Data Recorder (FDR), nor was it required to be.

A final report, which will determine the probable cause of the accident, is expected to take between 12 and 24 months to complete. Future investigative phases will include engine teardowns to verify the reported roughness and a detailed review of the pilot’s Training records.

Sources: NTSB Preliminary Report (WPR26MA063), NTSB