On December 18, 2015, a private aircraft took off from Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina, carrying seven people, among them former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and his 14‑year‑old daughter Emma. The flight ended in tragedy when the plane crashed, killing everyone on board.
A Lawsuit Over Unwanted Travel
Nicole Biffle, the ex‑wife of Greg Biffle and mother of Emma, filed a wrongful‑death complaint on May 13, alleging that the estate of her former husband bears responsibility for the fatal accident. The complaint contends that Emma had exhibited flu‑like symptoms and expressed reluctance to undertake the journey, but was overruled by her father.
According to the filing, the aircraft was chartered for a family outing, and the decision to proceed was made despite the teenager’s discomfort, a detail that the lawsuit emphasizes as central to the claim of negligence.
The legal action also names the estates of the pilot, Dennis Dutton, and the aviation leasing company that provided the aircraft, seeking monetary damages from each party.
Separate suits have been initiated by the estates of Dennis Dutton and his son Jack Dutton, each demanding $15 million from the Biffle estate, underscoring the complex web of liability that emerged after the crash.
The National Transportation Safety Board, the agency tasked with investigating civil aviation accidents, has been involved in the ongoing inquiry, though the investigation’s findings have not been fully disclosed to the public.
Family dynamics added another layer of complexity; Greg and Nicole had been separated for more than nine years, and Emma resided primarily with her mother in Cornelius, occasionally visiting her father in Mooresville. The lawsuit notes that Emma’s health condition was known to her mother, who allegedly respected her wishes, whereas her father’s insistence on the trip is portrayed as a pivotal factor.
While the complaint does not quantify the damages sought, it signals an intent to hold the responsible parties accountable and to obtain compensation for the irrevocable loss suffered by the families.
As the case proceeds, it will likely draw attention from both the sporting community, where Greg Biffle built a notable career, and from aviation safety advocates eager to understand how personal health considerations intersect with flight operations.