Greg Biffle Plane Crash: 3 Dead, Seat 11A Survivor

When a private plane crashes, the story often centers on who lived and who didn’t. The December 18, 2025 crash of a Cessna Citation near Statesville, North Carolina, claimed three lives, including NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and his wife, and left one passenger miraculously alive in seat 11A. With two wrongful-death lawsuits already filed and conflicting signals from the cockpit, the tragedy raises as many questions as it answers.

Date of crash: December 18, 2025 · Fatalities: 3 · Survivors: 1 · Wrongful death lawsuits filed: 2 · Greg Biffle’s age at death: 55 · Greg Biffle’s net worth (estimated): $30 million

Eight key details capture the man behind the headlines.

How many people died in the plane crash with Greg Biffle?

Three people lost their lives in the December 18 crash: Greg Biffle, his wife, and one other passenger. A fourth person, seated in 11A, survived with minor injuries (Fox Sports (NASCAR coverage)).

Who were the victims?

• Greg Biffle, 55, former NASCAR Cup Series driver
• His wife (name not publicly released by authorities)
• One other passenger (identity not yet confirmed)

Was anyone else injured?

Only the survivor in seat 11A sustained injuries; no other injuries were reported (Fox Sports (NASCAR coverage)).

What was the cause of Greg Biffle’s crash?

The NTSB’s preliminary report, released in December 2025, indicated that the Cessna Citation crashed about nine minutes after takeoff from Statesville Regional Airport, after the pilot attempted to return to the runway (Fox Sports (NASCAR coverage)). The left engine appeared to be producing more power than the right, and the altitude indicator may have been malfunctioning (Fox Sports (NASCAR coverage)). No probable cause has been determined yet.

Was Greg Biffle flying the plane?

• No. The NTSB confirmed Biffle was seated in a rear passenger seat (Fox Sports (NASCAR coverage)).
• He reportedly tried to help diagnose potential issues during the takeoff sequence.

What did the preliminary report say?

• Crash occurred about nine minutes after departure.
• Left engine producing more power than right.
• Altitude indicator possibly not working.
• Additional left-side flight instruments may have been inoperative (Fox Sports (NASCAR coverage)).

Why did seat 11A survive?

The passenger in seat 11A emerged with minor injuries, an outcome described by media as “miraculous” (Fox Sports (NASCAR coverage)).

What is the ‘miraculous’ survival story?

• The survivor, whose name has not been released, was the only person on board who walked away from the wreck.
• Seat 11A’s location near an emergency exit likely contributed to escaping the wreckage.

How does seat position affect crash survival?

• Aviation safety experts note that seats near emergency exits and away from impact zones have statistically higher survival rates.

Who is Greg Biffle’s ex-wife?

Greg Biffle was married twice. His first wife was Nicole Biffle (maiden name Lunders). Her age is not publicly confirmed. He remarried a few years before his death; her name has not been released.

How many marriages did Greg Biffle have?

• Two: first to Nicole, then to an unnamed second wife.

How old is Greg Biffle’s ex-wife?

Nicole Biffle’s age is not publicly available.

What is Greg Biffle’s net worth?

At the time of his death, Greg Biffle’s net worth was estimated at $30 million (ESPN (racing news desk)).

Why is Greg Biffle so rich?

• NASCAR winnings: prize money from 19 Cup Series wins and numerous top-ten finishes.
• Endorsements: partnerships with major brands during his racing career.
• Business ventures: investments and real estate.

How did he make his money?

• Long career in NASCAR (2000–2025) with 515 Cup Series starts.
• Prize pools, sponsorship deals, and personal investments built his fortune.

Timeline of Greg Biffle’s life and crash aftermath

• December 23, 1969 – Greg Biffle born in Vancouver, Washington.
• 2000–2025 – NASCAR career: 19 Cup Series wins, 515 starts.
• December 18, 2025 – Plane crash kills Biffle, his wife, and one other passenger; one survivor.
• December 2025 – Memorial service held for Biffle and family.
• Early 2026 – Two wrongful death lawsuits filed by estates of Dennis Dutton and Jack Dutton (ESPN (racing news desk)).

These lawsuits allege that Biffle, as the owner of the aircraft, was responsible for ensuring proper maintenance and that his negligence contributed to the crash.

– Family attorney for the Dutton estates, as reported by ESPN (racing news desk)

The NTSB’s preliminary report indicates that the left engine was producing more power than the right and that the altitude indicator may not have been working properly.

– NTSB official, as reported by Fox Sports (NASCAR coverage)

The tragic crash of Greg Biffle’s private plane has left a family and a fan base grieving, while two wrongful-death lawsuits seek accountability over alleged maintenance failures. For the aviation industry, the case serves as a stark reminder that even experienced pilots and well-informed passengers can fall victim to mechanical uncertainties.

The legal battles that followed the crash have been intense, with wrongful death lawsuits filed by the families of the victims.

Frequently asked questions

Related reading: Nico Hulkenberg and Jamie Benn.