What happened
During a night departure from Laurence G. Hanspmatrix Field (BED) in Bedford, Massachusetts, a Gulfstream G-IV experienced a catastrophic runway excursion. The flight, operating under Part 91 regulations and destined for Atlantic City, New Jersey, was in the process of a rejected takeoff when the aircraft overran the end of runway 11. After leaving the paved surface, the plane traveled through a paved overrun area and across grass, striking approach lights and a localizer antenna. The aircraft then breached the airport perimeter fence before coming to rest in a ravine. The impact and subsequent fire resulted in 7 fatalities, including the two pilots, a flight attendant, and four passengers.
Findings
Investigations determined that the flight crew failed to disengage the aircraft's gust lock system during the engine start sequence. This system is designed to secure the rudder, ailerons, and elevator while parked. The crew also failed to conduct a proper flight control check, which would have identified the locked controls. Data from the quick access recorder suggested that the crew had omitted complete flight control checks during nearly all of their recent departures, establishing a pattern of behavior.
A significant mechanical issue was identified regarding the interlock between the gust lock handle and the throttle levers. While the mechanism was designed to limit throttle movement to 6 degrees when the lock is engaged, testing on similar aircraft showed the levers could move much further. During the takeoff roll, the pilot advanced the throttles, but the engine pressure ratio failed to reach target levels because the levers were hitting the interlock. Instead of rejecting the takeoff immediately, the pilot engaged the autothrottle, which allowed the engines to reach a higher power setting. The pilot only realized the controls were immobilized during the rotation phase. The crew's delay in initiating the rejected takeoff prevented the aircraft from stopping on the paved runway.