NTSB Issues Bedford GIV Crash Report

Stephen Pope

Wednesday, September 09, 2015 at 08:52 PM ET

Verified

** NTSB investigators at the site of the Gulfstream IV crash.** NTSB

Key Takeaways:

The NTSB primarily blamed pilot error for the deadly Gulfstream IV crash, citing the crew's "long-term pattern" of failing to complete preflight checklists, which led to the gust lock being engaged during takeoff.
Pilots failed to perform a control check, ignored a rudder limit alert, and did not promptly retard power after realizing controls were locked, despite a system failure that allowed throttles to advance with the gust lock engaged.
The jet reached 162 knots before going off the runway, crashing, and bursting into flames, killing all six aboard.
The NTSB also faulted Gulfstream and the FAA for failing to uncover deficiencies in the gust lock system during the GIV's certification test program.

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The National Transportation Safety Board today blamed the deadly crash of a Gulfstream IV last year in Bedford, Massachusetts, on pilot error, saying the crew exhibited a “long-term pattern” of failing to complete preflight checklists that contributed directly to the accident.

At a hearing in Washington, D.C., this morning, the Board said that the GIV’s gust lock was still engaged as began its takeoff roll, preventing the pilots from rotating. The gust lock keeps the flight controls from moving or being damaged by winds while the airplane is on the ground.