Footage of investigators combing through the wreckage of the tragic private jet crash that killed NASCAR legend Greg Biffle and his family this week has been released.
The 55-year-old racing icon, known as ‘The Biff’, died alongside his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, 14, and son Ryder, 5, when the plane went down and burst into flames in North Carolina on Thursday morning.
Seven people lost their lives in total after the Cessna C550 jet, owned by Biffle, slammed into the runway at Statesville Regional Airport around 10.15am.
Officials have not yet determined the cause of the crash, while there are a number of lingering questions that remain unanswered as the mystery surrounding the incident deepens – including why there were three pilots on board.
Following the tragedy, the National Transportation Safety Board has released a video of agents examining the wreckage to search for clues as to why the plane went down.
Officials can also be seen taking photos of the burnt out plane and looking in the woods surrounding the crash area as they step up their investigation this weekend.
Investigators have searched the wreckage of the tragic private jet crash that killed Greg Biffle
NASCAR legend Biffle and his family died after the plane went down in North Carolina Thursday
While they are yet to determine the cause, the NTSB did confirm in a press conference on Saturday that someone on the plane sent a text to a family member containing the words ’emergency landing’.
It has also been revealed that there were three licensed pilots onboard the flight, including Biffle, at the time of the crash.
However, they still do not know who was piloting the jet before it plummeted to the ground.
‘This is the beginning of a very long process, and we will not jump to any conclusions while on scene here in North Caroliona,’ NTSB board member Michael Graham said at a press conference.
The plane was owned by Biffle’s company, GB Aviation Leasing LLC, federal records showed.
The other passengers on the plane have been identified as 67-year-old Dennis Dutton, who also has a pilot’s license, his son Jack, 20, and Craig Wadsworth.
Dutton was a retired Air Force Reserve pilot and was a captain with Delta Airlines. Dutton was licensed and rated to fly this model of plane, but even then, he was supposed to fly with a co-pilot.
Biffle was rated to fly a multi-engine plane, he wasn’t listed as qualified to fly this particular jet or be a second officer. Dutton’s son, Jack, also had a pilot’s license, but was only rated for single-engine planes.
Agents were seen examining the wreckage to search for clues as to why the plane went down
The aircraft left an 1,800-foot trail of wreckage after striking trees and airport infrastructure
Biffle was on board with wife Cristina, 14-year-old daughter Emma and five-year-old son Ryder
The NTSB also confirmed the aircraft left an 1,800-foot trail of wreckage after striking trees and airport infrastructure.
Investigator Dan Baker revealed the flight lasted just 10 minutes before the 1981 Cessna Citation met its tragic end at Statesville Regional Airport.
He added that the aircraft eventually came to rest near the runway threshold, where it was immediately consumed by a massive fireball.
Baker noted that the post-impact fire ‘consumed the majority of the fuselage and the inboard wing sections’.
Investigators said weather conditions were poor at the time of the 10:15am crash, with light rain falling and a dangerously low cloud ceiling.
Despite the devastation, officials have successfully recovered the cockpit voice recorder, which could provide vital clues into the pilot’s final moments.
The Biffle family was traveling to Florida to spend the day with close friend and YouTuber Garrett Mitchell, better known to fans as ‘Cleetus McFarland’.
Mitchell, who broke the news of the tragedy on social media, shared an emotional video of himself and Biffle riding dune buggies shortly after the incident.
Dennis and Jack Dutton (pictured together) were also on the plane and had pilot’s licenses, as well as Diffle
Biffle is one of only three drivers to win titles in the Busch Series and Craftsman Truck Series
‘This will be one of my favorite videos of all time,’ Mitchell said. ‘A wheelie side by side with the Biff. This is the worst day ever.’
Biffle was a titan of the sport, starting his NASCAR career in 1995 and becoming one of only three drivers to win championships in both the Busch Series and Craftsman Truck Series.
NASCAR issued an emotional statement in the wake of the tragedy.
The organization told the Daily Mail: ‘NASCAR is devastated by the tragic loss of Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, son Ryder, Craig Wadsworth and Dennis and Jack Dutton in a fatal plane crash.
‘Greg was more than a champion driver, he was a beloved member of the NASCAR community, a fierce competitor, and a friend to so many. His passion for racing, his integrity, and his commitment to fans and fellow competitors alike made a lasting impact on the sport.
‘On the track, Greg’s talent and tenacity earned him championships in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, as well as numerous wins and accolades in the NASCAR Cup Series.
‘Beyond his racing career, he gave of himself for the betterment of our community. Most notably, Greg spent countless hours of his time helping the citizens of North Carolina during the disasters that followed Hurricane Helene. His tireless work saved lives.’
