Gulfstream G650 accident at Roswell International Air Center

4 fatalities • Roswell, United States of America • Takeoff (climb)

An experimental Gulfstream G650 crashed during a single-engine takeoff test at Roswell International Air Center, resulting in four fatalities.

What happened

On April 2, 2011, an experimental Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation G650, registration N652GD, was involved in a fatal accident during a flight test operation at Roswell International Air Center in New Mexico. The aircraft, which was being operated by Gulfstream as part of its G650 flight test program, was performing a scheduled one-engine-inoperative takeoff from runway 21.

During the takeoff phase, the aircraft experienced a stall on the right outboard wing. This aerodynamic event created a rolling motion that the flight crew could not counteract. As a result, the right wingtip struck the runway, causing the aircraft to veer off the right side of the runway. After leaving the paved surface, the plane struck a concrete structure and an airport weather station. The impact and the subsequent fire caused extensive damage, completely destroying the fuselage and the cabin interior. There were four fatalities among the crew, consisting of two pilots and two flight test engineers.

Findings

Investigation into the accident determined that the primary cause was a stall on the right outboard wing during the one-engine-inoperative test procedure. This stall induced an uncontrollable rolling moment that led to the loss of directional control and the subsequent runway excursion and impact.

Probable cause

A wing stall during a single-engine takeoff test created an uncontrollable roll that led to the aircraft impacting airport structures.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2011-04-02 Gulfstream G650 accident near Roswell, United States of America?

An experimental Gulfstream G650 crashed during a single-engine takeoff test at Roswell International Air Center, resulting in four fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 2011-04-02 Gulfstream G650 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 4 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2011-04-02 involved a Gulfstream G650, registration N652GD, operated by Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation (GAC Corporation), at Roswell, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A wing stall during a single-engine takeoff test created an uncontrollable roll that led to the aircraft impacting airport structures.

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