Pressure on pilots a key factor in Aspen GIII crash

The NTSB’s recently released final report on the fatal crash of a chartered Gulfstream III, N303GA, at Aspen, Colo., on March 29 last year indicates that f

By Gordon Gilbert • Contributor - Accidents and Regulations

April 9, 2008

The NTSB’s recently released final report on the fatal crash of a chartered Gulfstream III, N303GA, at Aspen, Colo., on March 29 last year indicates that from the start little went right for this flight. A much later than planned departure from Los Angeles International Airport launched a race to beat an approaching curfew, ever darkening skies, deteriorating weather at the destination and a critical fuel situation.

The race was lost, with tragic results. All three crewmembers and 15 passengers were killed when the jet hit rising terrain less than half a mile short of the runway.
The NTSB’s synopsis of the events speaks clearly of the circumstances surrounding this CFIT accident. It also contains invaluable lessons for flight crews of all experience levels. With these points in mind, the Safety Board’s findings and expert opinions follow below, edited only for length and clarity.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.