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.
