Unwritten rules of professionalism demand that pilots and responsible media do not launch into publicly discussing suspected but unproven factors in an aircraft accident until the NTSB has issued its verdict on the probable cause. However, last month’s NTSB preliminary report on the May 31 crash of a Gulfstream IV at Hanscom Field near Boston–a report issued on the basis of information extracted from the jet’s cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder (FDR)–raised questions about specifics and ignited public discussion on forums and on AIN’s own website about both the airplane and the standard operating procedures (SOP) of those who fly it. A number of experienced GIV pilots offered AIN a look inside the aircraft and their company’s procedures, and all requested anonymity.
The Part 91 Gulfstream was departing Bedford Hanscom Field at 9:40 p.m. on an IFR flight plan to Atlantic City N.J., with three crew and four passengers on board. During its takeoff roll on Hanscom’s Runway 11, the jet reached a speed of 165 knots but never became airborne. At some point, the crew became aware of and discussed control problems before attempting to stop the aircraft by applying full braking and maximum reverse thrust.
