Overview
- The Cessna Citation C550 departed Statesville around 10:05 a.m., turned back about five minutes later, and crashed roughly 10 minutes after takeoff about a third of a mile from the runway, according to federal authorities.
- NTSB board member Michael Graham said a person on board texted a family member the words "emergency landing," with no other known communications from the aircraft.
- The cockpit voice recorder was recovered by investigators, who said three occupants held pilot licenses but the identity of the pilot remains unverified.
- Flight-tracking data reviewed by experts showed sharp fluctuations in altitude and speed and an approach that left the jet too low to reach the runway safely.
- Seven people were killed, including Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, their children Emma and Ryder, and Dennis Dutton, Jack Dutton, and Craig Wadsworth, as public tributes from NASCAR and other leaders followed the release of wreckage photos.