A CHILLING text was sent from a passenger just moments before the deadly plane crash that killed NASCAR legend Greg Biffle and six others.
The two-word message was confirmed by officials of the National Safety Transportation Board days after the fiery disaster.
During a briefing on Saturday, the NTSB revealed that one of the seven people on board had sent a text reading “emergency landing.”
The Cessna C550 crashed at 10:20 am on Thursday, just ten minutes after taking off from the Statesville Regional Airport, about 45 miles north of Charlotte.
The horrific accident killed the NASCAR star, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, and son Ryder, along with Dennis and Jack Dutton, and family friend Craig Wadsworth.
“I can confirm that the NTSB is aware of one brief text from a passenger on board the aircraft to a family member that read and I quote ’emergency landing,’” NTSB Board Member Michael Graham said at a news conference on Saturday.
Graham did not confirm who the message was from or to.
The official said he was not aware of any other messages from passengers, despite earlier reports that Cristina’s mother told People her daughter had sent her a message at the time of the crash, which read “We’re in trouble.”
On Friday, Graham said that a 16-member NTSB crew arrived at the crash site to investigate the cause of the accident.
While the details are still under investigation, an initial report revealed that the private jet made a left turn, then another left turn back to the airport in drizzle and cloudy conditions, five minutes after takeoff.
The plane appears to have hit a runway light stanchion about 1,800′ from the threshold.
The crash impacted two trees, two runway lights, and the airport fence.
Officials did not say who was flying the plane, but they did confirm that three people on board held pilot’s licenses.
The aircraft, built in 1981, is reportedly registered to GB Aviation Leasing, a company tied to Biffle, according to public records.
A cockpit voice recorder was found and was sent to the NTSB lab in Washington, DC, as the investigation continues.
Graham said a preliminary report is expected within 30 days; however, a final report could take up to 18 months.
Biffle was a two-time NASCAR national-series champion and later a Cup Series winner.
“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,” NASCAR said in a statement.
“His passion for racing, his integrity, and his commitment to fans and fellow competitors alike made a lasting impact on the sport.”
Their families are remembering the victims in a joint statement.
“Each of them meant everything to us, and their absence leaves an immeasurable void in our lives,” the statement said.
“We ask for privacy, compassion and understanding as we grieve and begin to process this unimaginable loss.”
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