Four Killed In Takeoff Accident Involving Test Aircraft

ANN is monitoring reports of the loss of a Gulfstream G650 test aircraft in what appears to have been a takeoff accident. The four people listed as being onboard were reportedly killed in an accident that took place at approximately 0930 MT, in Roswell, NM.

G650 Test Aircraft

Crewed by two test pilots and two flight test engineers, reports indicate that the aircraft suffered some mode of failure of takeoff, whereupon the aircraft's gear collapsed and a fire ensued, consuming the stricken aircraft. Various reports have the aircraft getting airborne for a shot time before impacting the runway, separating into at least two major pieces and impacted an airport structure.

G650 Test Aircraft

There were five aircraft in the Gulfstream G650 test program. The fifth and final Gulfstream G650 flight-test aircraft took to the skies Jan. 24, 2011, flying for 2 hours and 46 minutes. All five aircraft that are part of the flight-test campaign are working the program in anticipation of a 2011 Certification date. The program had logged over 1100 hours as of the end of January, 2011.

Introduced in 2008, the G650 was designed to carry eight passengers and a crew of four on nonstop legs of as long as 7,000 nautical miles (and larger configurations of as many as 18, for shorter distances). Powered by Rolls-Royce BR725 engines, the G650 has a top cruise speed of Mach 0.925. Gulfstream has reported over 200 firm orders for the G650, an aircraft that carries a price tag of over $64M. First deliveries were expected in 2012. 

Update: Gulfstream Issues Statement

Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. confirmed today that a Gulfstream G650 crashed Saturday morning during takeoff performance tests in Roswell, New Mexico. Two Gulfstream pilots and two Gulfstream flight-test engineers died in the crash.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of those who were lost," said Joe Lombardo, president, Gulfstream Aerospace. The accident is under investigation by Gulfstream, the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration.

"We are cooperating 100 percent with the investigation," Lombardo said.

FMI: www.gulfstream.com