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The moment of the plane crash that killed NASCAR legend Greg Biffle and his family was captured on video Thursday.
Doorbell footage showed the burning plane crashing and crashing across the runway at Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina, leaving a massive fire in its path.
The plane was registered under GB Aviation LLC, a company owned by Biffle.
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NASCAR driver Greg Biffle holds his daughter Emma Elizabeth during driver introductions for the NASCAR Talladega auto race at Talladega Superspeedway, Sunday, May 1, 2016, in Talladega, Alabama. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson, File)
The plane departed the regional airport Thursday morning, but was diverted back to Statesville and crashed during a landing attempt, authorities confirmed.
Biffle and his wife Cristina shared a daughter, Emma, 14, and a 5-year-old son, Ryder, who were on board along with Dennis, Jack Dutton and Craig Wadsworth during the deadly crash, a statement from the victims’ families confirmed.
The seven-person flight was headed to the Bahamas via Sarasota, Florida, when it crashed at Statesville Regional Airport, about 45 miles north of Charlotte. NTSB Investigator-in-Charge Dan Baker said the plane took off at approximately 10:05 a.m. ET and began returning to the airport five minutes after takeoff.
The plane crashed about 10 minutes after departure.
Authorities did not provide a cause, noting that weather conditions were relatively calm despite light rain.
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A private jet belonging to driver Greg Biffle takes off from Daytona Beach Airport during qualifying for the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race in Daytona Beach, Fla., Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013. (AP Photo/Reinhold Matay)
Michael Graham, a member of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), told reporters on Friday that three people aboard the Cessna C550 were licensed pilots, but officials were unable to verify who was piloting the flight until Friday.
“This is the beginning of a very long process, and we will not draw any conclusions while we are on the scene here in North Carolina nor will we draw any conclusions,” Graham said of the investigation.
The incident has sparked an outpouring of sympathy and prayers across the country.
North Carolina political figures, including Governor Josh Stein, Representative Pat Harrigan and Representative Richard Hudson, intervened after learning that Biffle and his family were among the seven victims of the plane crash. Governor Stein described the loss as “heartbreaking” and recalled Biffle’s selfless response after the state was devastated by Hurricane Helene.
NASCAR Hall of Famer Jeff Gordon and other racers expressed their condolences on social media, while the organization made a statement commemorating Biffle.
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Greg Biffle celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series auto race at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kansas on October 3, 2010. (Orlin Wagner, File/AP Photo)
“Greg was more than a champion driver, he was a beloved member of the NASCAR community, a fierce competitor and a friend to many,” NASCAR said in a statement. “His passion for racing, his integrity and his commitment to both fans and his fellow competitors had a lasting impact on the sport.
“On the track, Greg’s talent and tenacity earned him championships in the NASCAR
