Gulfstream IV Crash Mystery Focuses on Mechanical Systems

Stephen Pope

Tuesday, June 17, 2014 at 07:02 PM ET

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Gulfstream IV's tire tracks

Key Takeaways:

Investigators of the fatal Gulfstream IV crash are examining two primary mysteries: conflicting flap settings (cockpit handle at 10 degrees, but FDR showing 20 degrees) and an apparent gust lock system anomaly where the elevator was deflected downward as if engaged, despite the cockpit handle being off.
The pilots failed to perform a control check, and the aircraft overran the runway at high speed after its nose failed to rise during takeoff, resulting in the death of all six occupants.

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Accident investigators are focusing on two perplexing clues as they try to determine what caused the deadly crash of Gulfstream IV in Bedford, Massachusetts, on May 31 after the jet failed to lift off from the runway during what should have been a routine takeoff.

The first mystery concerns the GIV’s flaps. Investigators found the flap handle in the cockpit in the 10-degree detent, yet a review of flight data recorder information shows the flaps were set by the crew to 20 degrees before takeoff.