Years before he died in a plane crash, Greg Biffle survived a mechanical failure on a flight.
Biffle was previously involved in an accident in March 2011 at Blue Grass Airport in Lexington, Kentucky. The NASCAR champ was traveling with two pilots when their plane’s landing gear malfunctioned. No one was injured, but the plane had “partially collapse[d]” during arrival, according to multiple outlets.
“My pilots are purely heroes for maintaining control of the aircraft keeping on the runway, if not it wouldn’t have been the same outcome,” Biffle wrote via social media at the time.
Biffle later referred to the incident as a “small plane accident.” He told Nascar Now on ESPN2 that he noticed the left wing of the plane was rising during the flight. Later, the right wing started to drag on the runway, which caused it to spark.
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A spokesperson for the airport told the NH Register that the incident was not classified as a crash at the time. Instead, it was the result of “mechanical failure.”
More than a decade later, Biffle, who was 55, his wife, Cristina, and their two kids, daughter Emma and son Ryder, were all confirmed dead following a plane crash on Thursday, December 18. Their family friend and NASCAR motorhome driver Craig Wadsworth died as well, along with pilot Dennis Dutton and his son, Jack.
“We are all devastated by the loss of our loved ones,” the victims’ families said in a joint statement. “This tragedy has left all of our families heartbroken beyond words. Greg and Cristina were devoted parents and active philanthropists whose lives were centered around their young son Ryder and Greg’s daughter Emma (mother – Nicole Lunders). Emma was a wonderful human being with a kind soul who was loved by many people. Ryder was an active, curious and infinitely joyful child.”
The statement continued: “Dennis Dutton and his son Jack were deeply loved as well, and their loss is felt by all who knew them. Craig Wadsworth was beloved by many in the NASCAR community and will be missed by those who knew him.”
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The crash took place as the plane was trying to land at Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina. Their destination was Florida and then the Bahamas.
“Each of them meant everything to us, and their absence leaves an immeasurable void in our lives,” the statement noted. “We ask for privacy, compassion and understanding as we grieve and begin to process this unimaginable loss. We are grateful for the kindness and support that has been extended to our families during this incredibly difficult time.”
NASCAR also released a statement about the accident, saying, “NASCAR is devastated by the tragic loss of Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, son Ryder, Craig Wadsworth and Dennis and Jack Dutton in a fatal plane crash.”
“Greg was more than a champion driver, he was a beloved member of the NASCAR community, a fierce competitor, and a friend to so many,” the statement continued. “His passion for racing, his integrity, and his commitment to fans and fellow competitors alike made a lasting impact on the sport.”
