General Dynamics issues statement on Gulfstream G650 crash

General Dynamics chairman and chief executiv Jay Johnson today issued a statement regarding Saturday's crash of a Gulfstream G650 test aircraft. Gulfstream is a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families, friends, and co-workers of our four Gulfstream employees – experimental test pilots Kent Crenshaw and Vivan Ragusa, and technical specialists David McCollum and Reece Ollenburg – who died Saturday in the accident involving the G650 test aircraft in Roswell, New Mexico.

“Our sorrow from the loss of these four great men is very deep,” said Johnson.

He said, “I am confident that as Gulfstream assists aviation authorities in the accident investigation, the cause of this terrible tragedy will be determined. We look forward to continuing the rigorous testing required to achieve flight certification of the aircraft.”

“The G650 will take its place atop the long line of safe, reliable, high-performance business jets on which Gulfstream has built its superb reputation,” Johnson said.