STATESVILLE, N.C. — Federal investigators are diligently examining the remnants of a business jet crash in North Carolina that claimed the lives of retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, his family, and three other individuals. Authorities are working to ascertain who was piloting the aircraft and the reasons behind its abrupt return to the airport shortly after departure.

The Cessna C550 burst into flames upon impact on Thursday, crashing approximately a third of a mile (550 meters) from the runway, and tragically resulting in the deaths of all seven passengers on board.

The jet had taken off from Statesville Regional Airport, situated about 45 miles (72 kilometers) north of Charlotte. However, within less than 10 minutes, it attempted to return for an emergency landing, according to officials.

Flight records indicate that the plane was owned by a company managed by Biffle. Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have been onsite, working to uncover the crash’s cause and the reasons for the aircraft’s return amidst drizzly and overcast weather conditions.

The team has retrieved the cockpit voice recorder from the wreckage. However, NTSB member Michael Graham mentioned during a Friday press briefing that there were no known emergency communications from the jet prior to the crash.

There were three pilots on board. Federal Aviation Administration records show Biffle was rated to fly helicopters, and single- and multi-engine planes. Also on board was pilot Dennis Dutton, Dutton’s son, Jack — who had a private pilot’s license for single-engine planes — and Biffle’s friend Craig Wadsworth.

Biffle’s wife, Cristina, and children Ryder, 5, and Emma, 14, were also killed in the crash, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol said.

“Each of them meant everything to us, and their absence leaves an immeasurable void in our lives,” the joint family statement said.

Cristina Biffle’s mother told People magazine that her daughter sent her a text message saying, “We’re in trouble,” before she didn’t hear from her again.

Greg Biffle, 55, won more than 50 races across NASCAR’s three circuits, including 19 at the Cup Series level. He also won the Trucks Series championship in 2000 and the Xfinity Series title in 2002.

NASCAR called Biffle “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,” NASCAR said.

A memorial with flowers sprouted up Friday by Biffle’s marble star in his hometown of Mooresville, honoring him as a member of the North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame.

In 2024, Biffle was honored for his humanitarian efforts after Hurricane Helene struck the U.S., even using his personal helicopter to deliver aid to flooded, remote western North Carolina.

“The last time I spoke with Cristina, just a couple of weeks ago, she reached out to ask how she could help with relief efforts in Jamaica. That’s who the Biffles were,” U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson, a Republican from North Carolina, said.

Wadsworth was Biffle’s friend and helped him with odd jobs, including delivering supplies to places hit by Hurricane Helene, roommate Benito Howell said.

“He didn’t know how to say no,” Howell said of Wadsworth, who had worked for several NASCAR teams. “He loved everybody. He always tried to help everybody.”

The joint family statement also spoke about Dutton and his son Jack, saying they were “deeply loved as well, and their loss is felt by all who knew them.”

The Statesville airport remained closed Friday while the NTSB performed its investigation, a city spokesperson said.