NTSB Confirms Passenger’s Distress Text Before Fatal Crash That Killed NASCAR Star Greg Biffle
STATESVILLE, N.C. — A chilling text message sent from a passenger aboard the private plane that crashed last week, killing NASCAR legend Greg Biffle and six others, has been confirmed by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The message, simply reading “Emergency landing,” was sent as the aircraft was attempting to return to Statesville Regional Airport, where it ultimately went down about 10 minutes after takeoff.
The crash occurred on the morning of December 18, 2025, when the Cessna was en route to the Bahamas via Sarasota, Florida. Among the seven fatalities were Biffle, 55, his wife Cristina Grossu Biffle, and their two children, Ryder, 5, and Emma, 14. The other victims were identified as Dennis Dutton, his son Jack, and Craig Wadsworth.
During a press briefing on Saturday, NTSB Board Member Michael Graham confirmed the distress text and emphasized that the investigation is focused on understanding why the plane attempted to return to the airport so shortly after departure. “We do not know the circumstances which led the aircraft to attempt to return to the airport, but that is the focus of our investigation,” Graham said. He also noted that no other communications from passengers to those on the ground have been identified.
The NTSB’s Investigator-In-Charge, Dan Baker, provided a timeline indicating the plane took off at approximately 10:05 a.m. Eastern Time and began its turn back roughly five minutes later. The crash happened near the airport about 10 minutes after departure.
Earlier reports had mentioned a text from Biffle’s wife to her mother stating, “We’re in trouble,” but Graham clarified that the confirmed distress message came from an unnamed passenger. The NTSB continues to analyze all available data, including communications and the aircraft’s flight path.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the NTSB are collaborating closely on the investigation, which remains ongoing. The FAA’s role includes overseeing the safety regulations that govern private aircraft operations, while the NTSB is responsible for determining the probable cause of aviation accidents. Updates will be released as more information becomes available.
Greg Biffle was a celebrated figure in NASCAR, known for his competitive spirit and multiple victories, including three wins in the NASCAR Cup Series. His sudden death has sent shockwaves through the motorsports community. Tributes have poured in from fellow drivers, fans, and organizations alike.
Authorities continue to urge anyone with information related to the crash to come forward. The NTSB’s official website provides ongoing updates on the investigation, and the FAA offers resources on aviation safety standards.
For more details on the investigation and aviation safety protocols, visit the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration. Additional information on aviation accident investigations can be found through the U.S. Department of Transportation. The NASCAR community’s response and memorials are being covered extensively by major news outlets, including NASCAR.com.
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