Overview
- The NTSB released early imagery and said the Cessna Citation 550 was configured for landing but coming in low, with the cause and who was flying still undetermined and a preliminary report expected in the coming weeks.
- The jet turned back minutes after departure to attempt a landing at Statesville Regional Airport, where all seven aboard — Greg Biffle, wife Cristina, children Emma, 14, and Ryder, 5, plus Dennis Dutton, his son Jack, and Craig Wadsworth — were killed.
- Cristina Biffle texted her mother, Cathy Grossu, “We’re in trouble” shortly before the crash, a message investigators have noted as they review the sequence of events.
- Friend and YouTuber Garrett “Cleetus McFarland” Mitchell posted a 41-minute tribute and said the group was en route to Sarasota to visit him for a birthday trip.
- Friends began receiving the family’s pre-mailed holiday card, and veteran driver-pilot Mark Martin called details of the crash “disturbing” as the racing community mourned.