Three separate wrongful death lawsuits have been filed in Iredell County, North Carolina, stemming from the fatal plane crash that occurred on December 18, 2025 near Statesville. The crash claimed the lives of NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, his wife Christina, their children Ryder and Emma, personal assistant Craig Wadsworth, and pilots Dennis Dutton and his son Jack Dutton.
Estate of Craig Wadsworth sues Biffle estate and GB Aviation
On Friday, the estate of Craig Wadsworth, who served as Biffle’s personal assistant and operations manager, filed a complaint in the Iredell County Superior Court. The suit alleges that Biffle, the pilots and GB Aviation were negligent in the days leading up to the flight, creating conditions that caused the crash.
According to the complaint, the parties failed to secure a qualified second‑in‑command pilot as required by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. Instead, the lawsuit claims that Biffle and pilot Dennis Dutton discussed hiring a “cheap” pilot, resulting in Dennis Dutton’s son, Jack Dutton, assuming the co‑pilot role without the necessary qualifications.
Other lawsuits target the same tragedy
In addition to Wadsworth’s estate, the estates of Dennis Dutton and his son Jack Dutton filed separate wrongful death actions in April. Those suits similarly allege negligence on the part of GB Aviation Leasing, the company that owned the hangar where the aircraft was stored and that, under FAA rules, must monitor and coordinate aircraft activity for safety and compliance.
Greg Biffle’s ex‑wife, Nicole Biffle, also filed a wrongful death suit after the loss of their 14‑year‑old daughter, Emma, in the crash. The filing seeks compensation for funeral expenses, the economic value of the loss, and punitive damages to be decided by a jury.
Legal claims and potential damages
All of the complaints request monetary recovery for wrongful death, funeral costs, and the economic impact of the loss of the deceased. The plaintiffs also seek punitive damages, arguing that the negligent decisions surrounding pilot qualifications and aircraft oversight directly contributed to the tragedy.
GB Aviation Leasing, which owned the hangar, is implicated because the FAA requires hangar owners to ensure proper safety protocols and coordination of aircraft operations. The lawsuits allege that GB Aviation failed to fulfill those responsibilities, further endangering the flight.
Background on the crash
The December 2025 crash involved a single‑engine aircraft that departed from the GB Aviation hangar in Statesville. Investigators determined that the aircraft went down shortly after takeoff, killing all seven occupants. While the official investigation remains ongoing, the lawsuits focus on alleged pre‑flight negligence, including the decision to use an unqualified co‑pilot and insufficient oversight by the hangar operator.
These legal actions underscore the serious consequences of cutting corners on aviation safety, especially when high‑profile individuals and families are involved. The plaintiffs argue that adherence to FAA regulations and proper pilot certification could have prevented the loss of life.
What’s next?
The cases will proceed through the Iredell County court system, where the plaintiffs must prove that the defendants’ negligence was a direct cause of the crash. If successful, the lawsuits could result in significant financial judgments against the Biffle estate and GB Aviation, as well as heightened scrutiny of aviation safety practices in the region.
Community members and aviation professionals alike are watching the proceedings closely, hoping that the outcomes will reinforce the importance of strict compliance with safety standards and protect future travelers from similar tragedies.
Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.
