Estates of Pilots Seek $30M in Lawsuits Over Fatal Biffle Plane Crash

The estates of Dennis Dutton and Jack Dutton filed wrongful death lawsuits this week against the estate of NASCAR driver Greg Biffle. Each wants $15 million in damages after the December plane crash that killed six people. The filings claim that Biffle owned the Cessna 550 aircraft and bore responsibility for keeping it in working order.

The crash killed Biffle, his wife Cristina, and their two children. Both pilots died too. Dennis Dutton flew the aircraft when it went down.

The lawsuits claim poor maintenance and upkeep contributed to the crash, according to WSOC-TV. The filings state that whoever owned the Cessna 550 had to handle maintenance, operation, and safety.

The National Transportation Safety Board is still investigating. It hasn't released its final report. A preliminary report earlier this year showed the plane's altimeter was giving incorrect readings.

That same report also showed Dennis Dutton had turned control over to his son Jack Dutton shortly before the crash happened. Federal investigators continue working to figure out what caused it.

The tragedy sent shockwaves through the racing community in December. The cases will move forward as the NTSB investigation continues.

The lawsuits add a new chapter to the incident that devastated multiple families. Both estates filed the legal action in Iredell County, North Carolina.