Federal investigators have released new information about the final moments of a small private jet that crashed near a runway in North Carolina, killing all seven people on board, including former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and his family.

According to authorities, a single urgent text message — “emergency landing” — was sent from the aircraft shortly before it went down. This was the only known communication from the jet as it encountered trouble moments after taking off from Statesville Regional Airport on December 20, 2025.

The aircraft, a Cessna Citation 550, departed under clear weather conditions. Shortly after takeoff, it turned back toward the airport, flying lower than normal as it approached the runway. Investigators say the jet struck a light structure before crashing just beyond the runway.

Flight data and witness accounts indicate the plane was properly configured for landing, with its lights on and systems set. Several witnesses reported seeing the aircraft flying unusually low before descending rapidly, prompting an emergency call to authorities.

The final text message suggests the crew was aware of a serious problem, but no further communications were received.

A deeply personal and emotional detail surfaced during a memorial service for Biffle’s daughter. Her mother shared that the teenager had been ill and was not originally supposed to travel that day. She expressed profound regret for allowing her daughter to go despite her condition and revealed that she had purchased tickets for a future family trip just the night before the crash.

As investigators continue to analyze the aircraft’s data and wreckage, the families and loved ones of those lost are left facing painful questions and the lasting weight of decisions made in the final hours before the tragedy.