NTSB report: Plane had 'little to no altitude' prior to Hanscom crash that killed 7

BEDFORD, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com/AP) -- The NTSB released a preliminary report Friday on a crash that killed seven people at Hanscom Field.

The report suggests the crew of a private jet didn't perform a flight control check before attempting takeoff. It also indicated a possible problem with a mechanical gust lock system, which protects aircraft components from wind damage while planes are parked. Aviation experts say the plane would have been unable to take off if the lock was engaged.

No potential cause for the crash was identified in the report.

The report claims a witness observed the plane roll at a "high speed" with "little to no altitude gained."

"The airplane subsequently rolled off the end of the runway, on to a runway safety area, and then on to grass. The airplane continued on the grass, where it struck approach lighting and a localizer antenna assembly, before coming to rest in a gully, on about runway heading, about 1,850 feet from the end of the runway," reads a portion of the report.

Although the plane was engulfed in flames after the crash, all of the major portions of the airplane were recovered from the scene.

Two pilots, one cabin attendant, and four passengers died in the May 31 crash.

Philadelphia Inquirer co-owner Lewis Katz was among those who died. The 72-year-old and three others attended an education fundraiser in Concord. They were headed back to Atlantic City International Airport when the crash occurred.

To read the full report, visit: http://www.ntsb.gov/

Cox Media Group