A wrongful death lawsuit alleges negligence by the pilot and others contributed to the 2025 plane crash that killed Greg Biffle, his wife, son and daughter.
Wrongful death lawsuit filed after private plane crash in December 2025 collision Former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, his wife, their two children and three other people were killed in a fatal crash that was allegedly caused by a series of safety lapses.
Nicole Biffle, the administrator of the estate and mother of 14-year-old Emma Elizabeth Biffle, filed the lawsuit on May 13, alleging negligence and gross negligence on the part of multiple parties that led to the accident.
Emma suffered from flu-like symptoms and was reluctant to participate in the trip to Florida and the Bahamas, but eventually boarded the flight with her father, his wife, their 5-year-old son and a family friend, the lawsuit states.
The complaint alleges pilot Dennis Dutton failed to follow multiple aviation safety procedures before and during the flight. Allegations include that he set off without a flight clearance despite deteriorating weather conditions, failed to complete pre-flight safety checks and ignored warning indicators and engine power discrepancies.
The aircraft, a Cessna Citation 550 owned by GB Aviation Leasing LLC, allegedly developed an electrical problem after its generator did not start properly, resulting in instrument failure and loss of autopilot functionality, the lawsuit said.
The pilot then attempted to return to the airport at a dangerously low altitude despite the reported problems with the aircraft, the complaint states.
The plane struck approach lights before reaching the runway, then collided with trees and burst into flames, according to the lawsuit. All seven people on board were killed.
Defendants named in the lawsuit include the Estate of Dennis Dutton, GB Aviation Leasing LLC and the Estate of Greg Biffle.
The lawsuit seeks damages for wrongful death, pain and suffering, loss of companionship and other claims.
The plane crashed less than 10 minutes after takeoff while trying to return to the airport, according to the National Transportation Safety Board. Investigators have previously recovered the cockpit voice recorder and have been reviewing the crew’s qualifications, weather conditions and the aircraft’s performance before the crash.
Biffle, 55, is one of NASCAR’s most successful drivers, winning more than 50 races in the sport’s three major national series, including championships in the Truck Series and Xfinity Series. He was one of seven people killed in the crash, along with his wife Christina, children Emma and Ryder, pilots Dennis and Jack Dutton and family friend Craig Wadsworth.
