The investigation into the plane crash that killed Greg Biffle and his family in Statesville, North Carolina, continues, with aviation specialists searching for answers. As authorities analyze what led the pilots to turn back moments after takeoff, former NASCAR driver Kenny Wallace has publicly speculated on possible causes, adding to the ongoing discussion surrounding the Kenny Wallace plane crash speculation.
Wallace’s Public Explanation Raises Questions
Greg Biffle’s plane departed for Florida before disaster struck soon after takeoff, forcing an attempted return to the airport. Authorities have yet to formally announce what caused the tragic accident, but Kenny Wallace recently voiced his own theory on his YouTube channel regarding what might have gone wrong.
“I think the plane took off, I think they lost a motor, and then, I guess it started having a lot of drag on it. Yes, we know it should fly just perfectly with one motor,”
Wallace said.
Wallace suggested that after losing an engine, the plane was likely operating with its flaps and landing gear down, potentially increasing drag and reducing available horsepower—making it difficult to reach the runway. He noted that these conditions, combined with low engine power, may have contributed to the outcome witnessed.
“I think it was just a tragic loss of life. And that’s what I respectfully think would have happened. Now, you respond right here, but you know, the landing gear was down, the flaps were down, and it didn’t have enough horsepower to get to the runway, and it was short. I mean, that’s what I think,”
added Wallace, a former competitive driver with considerable experience around aircraft.
Despite Wallace’s logical reasoning, officials have clarified that his statements remain speculative, not definitive. Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are actively working to determine what actually happened, urging caution about prematurely drawing conclusions.
Active Investigation and Black Box Analysis
Authorities are collecting vital evidence to clarify the circumstances leading up to the accident. The NTSB has already retrieved one of the plane’s black boxes and sent it to Washington, D.C., for a thorough inspection. These data, together with the aircraft’s maintenance records, are expected to play a crucial role in uncovering any mechanical issues or procedural missteps.
Rare Emergency Communication Before the Crash
New details have emerged from the moments before the crash. According to National Transportation Safety Board representatives, one of the passengers aboard Biffle’s Cessna sent a desperate text message reading: Emergency landing. Michael Graham, speaking for the NTSB at a Saturday news conference, revealed that investigators still do not know which passenger sent the message, adding an emotional layer to the tragic event.
Flight data reveal that roughly ten minutes before impact, the aircraft made two consecutive left turns while attempting to head back to the airport—moves believed to signal suspected technical trouble. The crash occurred at about 10:15 a.m., as the Cessna tried to land on a different runway from the one it departed from. Officials believe a system failure or malfunction may have pressured the pilots to turn around.
What the Investigation Hopes to Determine
With the investigation progressing and additional information expected from black box data, families and the aviation community await crucial answers. Only a comprehensive review of flight data, mechanical history, and communications will point to a clear explanation for the fatal crash that ended Biffle’s life and those of his loved ones. The final report from the NTSB will be essential for bringing clarity, helping prevent similar tragedies, and addressing the speculation surrounding the Kenny Wallace plane crash theory as the official cause is determined.
