Multiple callers reported a large fire at Statesville Regional Airport on Dec. 18. Hours later, officials determined NASCAR legend Greg Biffle was on board.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. β Iredell County officials released a 911 call related to the plane crash that killed NASCAR legend Greg Biffle and six other people in Statesville last month.Β
The first call came in at approximately 10:15 a.m. when a witness reported a plane crash at the west end of the airport.Β
“We have a plane crash and it’s a big fire,” the caller told 911 dispatchers.Β
The caller provided more details about the wreck, including confirmation on the type of plane involved. The caller said they were unable to see if anyone climbed out of the wreckage due to the thick smoke. Iredell County Emergency Management arrived on the scene approximately 5 minutes after the caller first spoke to 911 dispatch.Β
“OK, I don’t know how many people were on board, but there’s at least two pilots,” the witness said. “Probably at least four passengers. Not sure that’s a definite number, but at least two pilots, probably four passengers.”Β
FAA records show there were at least two pilots on board at the time of the crash, but it’s unclear who was flying when the plane went down. NTSB board member Michael Graham confirmed on Saturday that someone on the plane sent a text message to a family member about an emergency landing moments before the crash. Officials say the plane crashed approximately 10 minutes after takeoff.Β
Graham clarified that investigators are still gathering information about the pilots on board and do not yet know who was in the left seat at the time of the crash. More information about all pilot-rated occupants is expected to be included in the preliminary report.
The crash claimed the lives of NASCAR legend Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, their son Ryder and Biffle’s daughter Emma. Also killed were Craig Wadsworth, Dennis Dutton and his son Jack Dutton.
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