The National Transportation Safety Board has launched a formal investigation into the aviation accident that claimed the lives of former NASCAR star Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina Grossu Biffle, their daughter Emma, and son ryder, along with three other people, Thursday morning at statesville Regional airport.

A preliminary report is expected within 30 days, while a thorough inquiry is planned to unfold over 12 to 18 months before a final findings document is released. NTSB officials outlined the process during a briefing on Friday.

NTSB Member Michael Graham, joined by Investigator-In-Charge Dan Baker, described the early steps of the probe. they said investigators will conduct witness interviews and gather multimedia evidence to build a timeline of events surrounding the crash.

The aircraft involved was a Cessna 550, owned by Greg biffle. The crash occurred at about 10:15 a.m., roughly 10 minutes after takeoff, near the approach end of Runway 28. The fatalities include Biffle, his wife Cristina Grossu Biffle, daughter emma, and son Ryder.Also aboard were longtime NASCAR figure Craig Wadsworth and Dennis and Jack Dutton.

Investigators recovered an 1,800-foot debris field, and the cockpit voice recorder will be sent to Washington, D.C., for analysis. Graham noted the debris pattern is extensive and will take time to document thoroughly, especially given high winds that prevented drone deployment on Thursday. Officials plan to use drone imagery the following day to better map the debris field.

At this stage, the NTSB has not confirmed who piloted the plane, though three licensed pilots were aboard. Graham stressed that verification of the pilot remains an active line of inquiry and that the investigation will consider whether the aircraft was flown by two individuals or by one with a waiver. He added that solo flight by the Cessna 550 is common, but the on-board piloting arrangement for this flight has not been steadfast.

Initial impact occurred just short of the runway before the aircraft continued down the length of Runway 28.Witness marks were observed near the fence, and investigators are assessing video or photographic evidence from any observers. The team has asked the public to share footage or photos by emailing [email protected].

Graham stressed that it is indeed still too early to draw conclusions about equipment or weather-related causes. He cited three primary factors the agency reviews: the people operating the aircraft, the aircraft itself, and the environmental conditions. He noted that the weather at the time was Visual Flight Rules with low ceilings and light drizzle, but added that weather will be one of the many factors evaluated in the broader analysis.

Evergreen Context: What Comes Next In Aviation Investigations

Officials say the investigation will focus on three core areas: the crew, the aircraft, and the external environment. The NTSB typically conducts extensive interviews, collects flight data and recording devices, and reconstructs the sequence of events. While preliminary findings can emerge within weeks, it often takes many months to reach a final, evidence-based conclusion.in this case, the cockpit voice recorder analysis and a thorough review of weather conditions will be critical components of the final report.

As the probe unfolds, investigators will request additional videos, photographs, and witness testimony to corroborate timelines and operational decisions. The agency also emphasizes transparency,updating the public as discoveries are confirmed and findings are validated.

Reader Questions

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Stay with us for continuous updates as the NTSB advances its inquiry. If you witnessed the event or captured footage,please share it with the agency at the provided witness email.