NTSB Investigates Fatal Jet Crash After Passenger's 'Emergency Landing' Text

Federal aviation investigators are working to determine the cause of a devastating business jet crash that claimed the lives of seven people, including retired NASCAR champion Greg Biffle. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has confirmed it is aware of a chilling text message sent from a passenger on board the aircraft to a family member moments before the tragedy unfolded. The message contained just two words: "emergency landing." This article examines the known facts of the crash, the investigation underway, and the significance of that brief digital communication.

The Crash Sequence and Investigation

The Cessna C550 business jet departed from Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina, approximately 45 miles north of Charlotte. According to authorities and flight records examined by the NTSB, the aircraft was in the air for only about 10 minutes before the pilots attempted to return to the same airport. The attempted return ended catastrophically when the jet plowed into light poles and a tree line roughly a third of a mile (550 meters) short of the runway. The impact caused the aircraft to erupt into a large fire, as reported by the Associated Press.

NTSB's Initial Findings

NTSB board member Michael Graham provided an update on the investigation, stating that the board is "still gathering information related to the pilots on board the aircraft." A significant point of inquiry is determining who was acting as the lead pilot during the flight. Notably, three of the seven people on board held pilot's licenses, including Greg Biffle himself. Federal Aviation Administration records show Biffle was rated to fly helicopters, single-engine planes, and multi-engine planes. Also on board were pilot Dennis Dutton and his son, Jack Dutton, who held a private pilot's license for single-engine planes.

The Significance of the 'Emergency Landing' Text

The confirmation by the NTSB that a passenger sent a text reading "emergency landing" is a critical piece of evidence. This digital artifact provides investigators with a timestamped indication that those on board were aware of a serious problem requiring an immediate return to the airport. While the text does not specify the nature of the emergency—whether mechanical, weather-related, or medical—it firmly establishes the pilots' intent. Investigators will likely correlate the time of this message with flight data and air traffic control communications to build a more complete timeline of the aircraft's final moments.

Weather Conditions and Flight Context

The crash occurred amid drizzle and cloudy conditions at the Statesville Regional Airport. Weather is a perennial factor in aviation investigations, and the NTSB will examine whether visibility, precipitation, or other meteorological factors played a role in the pilots' decision to return or in the execution of the emergency landing. The investigation, which began with an examination of the wreckage on Friday, will meticulously analyze all available data to understand why the aircraft could not reach the runway.

Remembering the Victims

The crash took the life of Greg Biffle, a 55-year-old racing legend who won more than 50 races across NASCAR's top circuits and secured championships in both the Truck Series (2000) and the Xfinity Series (2002). Beyond his racing career, Biffle was known for his humanitarian efforts, notably using his personal helicopter to deliver aid to western North Carolina following Hurricane Helene in 2024. Also killed were pilots Dennis and Jack Dutton, and Biffle's friend Craig Wadsworth. The other victims have not been publicly named. The tragedy highlights the risks inherent in general aviation, even with experienced pilots at the controls.

Conclusion and Ongoing Inquiry

The NTSB investigation into the crash that killed Greg Biffle and six others is in its early stages. The confirmed "emergency landing" text message is a poignant and valuable clue, but many questions remain unanswered. Determining the sequence of events, the cause of the emergency, and the reason the landing was unsuccessful will be the focus of a detailed investigation that typically takes 12 to 24 months to complete. The findings will be crucial not only for providing closure to the families but also for enhancing aviation safety protocols to prevent similar tragedies in the future.