Federal investigators revealed that a single urgent text was sent from a small private jet just before it crashed near a North Carolina runway. The brief message, “emergency landing,” was the only known communication from the aircraft as it encountered trouble shortly after takeoff. The crash occurred on December 20, 2025, after the jet, a Cessna Citation 550, departed Statesville Regional Airport under clear skies. It briefly flew before turning back, approaching the runway lower than expected, striking a light structure, and crashing nearby.

All seven onboard, including former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, their children, and others, died.Investigators say the plane was properly configured for landing, with lights on and systems set. Witnesses reported the jet flying unusually low and passing overhead before descending rapidly beyond the runway, prompting an emergency call.

The final text’s contents suggest the crew knew they were in trouble, but no further messages or calls were made.A heartbreaking personal detail emerged during a memorial for Greg Biffle’s daughter. Her mother shared that the teenager was unwell and not supposed to travel that day.

She expressed anguish over allowing her daughter to go despite her illness and revealed she had bought tickets for a future family trip the night before the crash. As authorities analyze the flight data, loved ones are left to grapple with unanswered questions and the irreversible choices that shape their grief.