The NTSB has released new information about the tragic plane crash that killed 7, including NASCAR driver Greg Biffle.
Retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, their son Ryder (5), and Greg’s daughter Emma (14). were aboard a business jet that crashed in North Carolina on December 18. Three other passengers were also traveling on the plane: Dennis Dutton, his son Jack Dutton, and Craig Wadsworth. There were no survivors.
The Cessna C550 crashed at the Statesville Regional Airport about 40 miles north of Charlotte just after 10 a.m. local time. Families of the victims confirmed their identities as news of the tragedy spread. Cristina Biffle’s mother spoke to PEOPLE and revealed that she had received a chilling text message from her daughter moments before the plane crashed. The text read, “We’re in trouble.”
Authorities gave a brief update in a press conference on Saturday.
In a press conference held on Saturday, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) shared some of the information they’ve pieced together about the accident.
NTSB board member Michael Graham said that the cause of the crash is still unknown.
“We do not know the circumstances which led the aircraft… to attempt to return to the airport, but that is the focus of our investigation,” Graham said.
When asked about text messages passengers had sent before the crash, Graham said he was not aware of the text from Cristina Biffle to her mother. However, he did confirm that another text message, sent from an unnamed passenger to a family member, read, “Emergency landing.”
Graham said, “We are not aware of any other communications from passengers onboard the aircraft to those on the ground.”
Dan Baker, NTSB Investigator-In-Charge, told press that the aircraft was en route to the Bahamas with a planned stop in Sarasota, Florida. It took off from the Statesville Regional Airport at approximately 10:05 a.m. EST, and was only in the air for five minutes before it turned back toward the airport. Roughly 10 minutes after takeoff, the plane crashed.
Baker added that the airplane initially hit a runway light about 1,800 feet from the runway before hitting trees, two more lights, and the fence surrounding the airport before stopping on the runway. “The Cessna 550 jet was destroyed in the crash and subsequent fire,” the Federal Aviation Administration said.
Three licensed pilots were aboard the plane. Greg Biffle, Dennis Dutton, and Jack Dutton each held their pilot’s licenses, but it is unclear who was piloting the plane at the time of the accident.
The cockpit voice recorder has been recovered and likely holds valuable information that will help investigators determine the cause of the crash.
This remains an active investigation. The NTSB said a preliminary crash report could be available in as little as 30 days, but a full investigation would take anywhere from 12 to 24 months.