NTSB Details Aircraft’s Final Moments in Statesville Crash Investigation

STATESVILLE, N.C. — The National Transportation Safety Board provided an update Saturday on its investigation into the recent aircraft crash in Statesville.

According to investigators, the aircraft was stable during its approach with landing lights illuminated. Witness statements indicating the aircraft was flying low on approach are continuing to be reviewed and validated.

Multiple pieces of onboard equipment have been recovered from the crash site and sent to NTSB headquarters in Washington, D.C. for further analysis. Investigators also confirmed that aircraft maintenance logs have been turned over to the NTSB, and interviews with maintenance personnel have been conducted.

At this time, the NTSB has not officially identified who was piloting the aircraft, though investigators say they have a strong indication and are awaiting additional information to confirm.

The agency also confirmed that a text message reading “Emergency Landing” was sent from a phone believed to be on board the aircraft. The sender of that message has not yet been identified.

NTSB officials said wreckage removal is expected to take place today, after which the scene will be released back to local authorities. Today’s briefing in Statesville is expected to be the final on-site update as the investigation continues.