NTSB: Biffle jet turned back toward Statesville; passenger texted 'Emergency landing' before fatal crash
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The NTSB said the Cessna C550 (N257BW), registered to GB Aviation Leasing owned by former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, departed Statesville around 10:05 a.m., began turning back about five minutes later and crashed while attempting to land at Statesville Regional Airport roughly 10 minutes after departure, killing all seven aboard, including Biffle and members of his family. Investigators recovered the flight data and cockpit voice recorders and confirmed a brief passenger text reading "Emergency landing" (and an earlier "We're in trouble") before impact; officials say three people on board held pilot certificates but have not determined who was at the controls as the probe continues amid light drizzle.
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