From the scene of the accident to the rendering of the probable cause, the National Transportation Safety Board follows an established process to determine why an aircraft crash happened. For the NTSB investigators that form a crash “Go Team” — experts chosen from a broad range of NTSB aviation specialties — that often means unraveling the mysteries behind a series of fatal mistakes that led to an accident. That was certainly the case for investigators when the call came in on the evening of May 31, 2014, after a Gulfstream GIV crashed in Bedford, Massachusetts. This is the inside story of the landmark crash investigation that followed.
What Happens After a Crash?
Key Takeaways:
- The NTSB's "Go Team" investigated a 2014 Gulfstream GIV crash in Bedford, Massachusetts, that killed all seven occupants during a rejected takeoff.
- The probable cause was primarily attributed to severe pilot error, including failure to perform flight-control checks and attempting takeoff with the gust lock engaged, coupled with habitual non-compliance with checklists.
- Significant contributing factors included a design flaw in the Gulfstream GIV's gust-lock system, which failed to provide an unmistakable warning or prevent takeoff with the lock engaged, and the FAA's failure to detect this inadequacy during certification.
- The investigation resulted in five safety recommendations aimed at improving pilot adherence to procedures, mandating gust-lock system retrofits, and enhancing FAA certification processes and airport safety infrastructure.
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