GULFSTREAM AEROSPACE G IV near Eagle, CO — 2015-02-08

Probable cause

The pilot's rejected takeoff due to perceived flight control system anomalies, which led to excessive brake temperatures and resulted in a right main landing gear brake fire.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that the pretakeoff flight control check was "normal" with "no binding or resistance issues." During the initial takeoff, the pilot used the autothrottles. Shortly after, a triple chime and master warning indication activated, so he rejected the takeoff. However, the pilot observed no messages on the crew alert system nor any tripped electrical circuit breakers, so he chose to attempt another takeoff. During this takeoff, he did not use the autothrottles. As the airplane accelerated through 75 knots, the triple chime and master warning indication activated again. The engine low-pressure turbine speed was within the yellow arc, so the pilot reduced the engine thrust slightly to return to the normal operating range and continued the takeoff. At rotation speed, he pulled back on the control yoke, but the flight controls did not seem to respond normally. The pilot added that the controls had no "noticeable pressure resistance and felt unloaded with hydraulic pressure." He noted that the yoke was moved "forward and then back further aft" with the same result. The pilot subsequently rejected the takeoff and applied maximum braking and full reverse thrust. He taxied the airplane off the runway and stopped it on the parallel taxiway. A postincident examination of the airplane, including the flight control system, did not reveal any anomalies that would have compromised the effectiveness of the flight control system. Although minor variations in the inboard elevator control cable tension and elevator control surface deflections were noted, these variations also likely existed during the initial flight of the day; the pilots of that flight reported no discrepancies. After repairing the fire damage to the right main landing gear, the airplane manufacturer had two test pilots conduct an evaluation test flight. The pilots reported that the elevator response during takeoff was "positive, obvious, and 100% normal." The pilots continued the takeoff and subsequently returned for a full-stop landing. They reported that no anomalies occurred during the evaluation test flight.

Analysis

Primary failure mode

Loss of control

First missed decision gate

Pilot could have aborted takeoff after first warning at 75 knots.

NTSB coding

• Fire/smoke (non-impact) · Takeoff-rejected takeoff

Evidence available

• CVR
• 19 docket documents

Docket documents19

• Cockpit Voice Recorder Specialist's Factual Reportcvr
• Accident Flight Loading and Performance Dataform
• Airplane Flight Manual Takeoff Performance Data -- Excerptform
• Exemplar Takeoff Performance Data (Source -- Gulfstream)form
• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
• Co-Pilot's Statementinterview
• Pilot's Statementinterview
• Pilot's Statement -- Supplementalinterview
• Statement of Party Representatives to NTSB Investigationinterview
• Airplane Flight Logsother
• Airplane Maintenance Log -- Excerptsother
• Co-Pilot Flight Experienceother
• Computerized Maintenance Recordother
• Conversation Record -- Fire Chiefother
• E-mail Correspondence -- Previous Maintenance Issuesother
• Pilot Flight Experienceother
• Weather Data -- Eagle County Regional Airportother
• Airplane Inspection Status Reportreport
• Operator Service Difficulty Reportreport

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