STATESVILLE, N.C. — Federal investigators said Friday afternoon during a news briefing they are not aware of any mayday calls made before a private jet crashed in Statesville the day before, killing all seven people on board, including retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, 55, his wife Cristina and their children, 5-year-old Ryder and 14-year-old Emma.
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Cristina Biffle’s mother confirmed to ABC News the group was flying out for a birthday trip and that her daughter sent her a final text in the minutes before the crash telling People Magazine that the message read, “We’re in trouble.”
The Cessna 550 business jet departed from Runway 28 at Statesville Regional Airport at about 10 a.m. and tried to return before it crashed outside the fence about 10 minutes later, investigators with the National Transportation Safety Board said.
The jet initially hit runway light poles on its attempted reapproach, then trees and went through the airport’s perimeter fence before coming to a rest on the runway. Both engines were on the jet.
The plane was completely engulfed in flames and left a charred trail and debris across the area.
The aircraft can be piloted solo or by two people, however, investigators do not know who was in the cockpit. Three people onboard had pilot’s licenses, they said. The Cessna was registered to a company owned by Biffle, who was also rated to fly helicopters and single and multi-engine planes.
They are looking into weather conditions where there was drizzle, calm winds and cloud coverage.
The voice recorder was recovered and will play a vital role in the investigation. However, the 44-year-old plane did not have a flight data recorder.
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The NTSB said there are no conclusive evidence on why the Cessna jet crashed because the investigation is in its very early stages.
Preliminary findings are expected to be released in a month or two with the final report published in 1 or 2 years.
Fans of Biffle stopped by the crash scene to remember the driver who helped others during Helene.
“It’s a tragedy that there were young children involved,” said Ronnie Hefner, a fan. “I was a close friend of him on Facebook. Greg was a good fella and he’s going to be missed.”
‘Engine sputtering’
Channel 9’s Dave Faherty spoke with witnesses since the aviation incident.
“I heard his engine sputtering in and out in and out,” said witness Jim Bridges. “And then the next instance I heard a big explosion and the crash. I looked out the window and there were fires all the way following him.”
A man, who didn’t want to be identified, said he was taking the trash out when he heard the plane right behind his home.
“Heard a weird plane engine,” he said. “It sounded weird because I hear them all the time. I then heard it hit something and a drawn-out couple of thuds.”
‘Deeply loved’
Roommate Benito Howell shared that Craig Wadsworth, who was also on the flight, had aided Biffle in delivering supplies during relief efforts.
REMEMBERING GREG BIFFLE:
- Driver’s philanthropy made impact on post-Helene North Carolina
- Greg Biffle remembered in racing world as widely respected family man
- ‘Amplifies the grief’: Close-knit community mourns for victims in Greg Biffle’s plane crash
The loss of Biffle and the others on the flight has touched many, as reflected in a joint family statement that expressed deep sorrow for their loved ones.
The statement also highlighted Dennis Dutton and his son Jack, who died in the crash, stating, “They were deeply loved as well, and their loss is felt by all who knew them.”
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The Associated Press contributed to this report.