On a quiet Saturday evening in late May 2014, what began as a routine takeoff from Hanscom Field in Bedford, Massachusetts, ended in devastating tragedy. A Gulfstream IV jet carrying seven people failed to lift off the runway, overshot the pavement, plunged down an embankment, and erupted in flames. All seven lives on board were lost, including Lewis Katz, the well-known philanthropist and co-owner of The Philadelphia Inquirer.
The accident, which shocked both the aviation world and the communities connected to the passengers, became the focus of a detailed investigation led by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The aftermath has been marked by grief, remembrance, and renewed discussion about aviation safety and oversight.
This article takes a closer look at the crash, the lives of those lost, the unfolding investigation, and the broader implications for both aviation and public life.
The Event: What Happened at Hanscom Field
Hanscom Field, located about 20 miles northwest of Boston, is a regional airport often used for business and private travel. On the night of May 31, 2014, Katz’s Gulfstream IV was preparing for departure. Weather conditions were calm, visibility was good, and nothing unusual was initially reported.
However, during the attempted takeoff, the aircraft failed to become airborne. Instead, it raced down the runway before overrunning it, striking an embankment, and catching fire. Witnesses described seeing a massive fireball lighting up the night sky as emergency crews rushed to the scene.
Despite the swift arrival of firefighters and paramedics, the intensity of the blaze made rescue impossible. By the time first responders were able to reach the wreckage, it was clear there were no survivors.
NTSB Response and Early Investigation
Within hours, the NTSB dispatched a team of investigators to Bedford to begin piecing together what went wrong. Senior Air Safety Investigator Luke Schiada briefed the press on-site, noting that the investigation would include examining the runway, analyzing the wreckage, reviewing flight data and cockpit voice recorders, and interviewing witnesses.
Photographs from the scene showed twisted landing gear, scorched metal, and a wide debris field, underscoring the violence of the crash. Schiada emphasized that while investigations take time, the NTSB’s goal was to uncover the chain of events that led to the accident in order to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Subsequent reports revealed that the jet’s gust lock—a system designed to prevent the aircraft’s controls from moving while parked—may have remained engaged during takeoff. This possibility raised serious concerns about both mechanical design and pilot procedure.
Remembering Lewis Katz
Lewis Katz, 72, was more than just a businessman. Known for his generosity, intellect, and commitment to civic causes, Katz had built a reputation as a man deeply engaged with his community.
Born in Camden, New Jersey, Katz rose from modest beginnings to become a lawyer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. He built his fortune through ventures in billboards, parking lots, and banking, later investing in professional sports teams and media. In 2014, he became co-owner of The Philadelphia Inquirer, driven by a belief in the importance of local journalism.
Friends and colleagues remembered him as a man with a sharp wit, a big heart, and a strong sense of loyalty. Former Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell, who had been invited to join Katz on the ill-fated trip but declined due to other commitments, described him as “a dear friend and a man who always gave back.”
The Other Lives Lost
While Katz’s name drew the most headlines, six other lives were cut short that evening, each with their own story and legacy.
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Anne Leeds (74) – A retired preschool teacher and beloved neighbor of Katz in Longport, New Jersey. Known for her kindness and dedication to her community, Leeds had been invited on the trip as a last-minute guest. Her death stunned friends and neighbors who remembered her as “a gentle soul with an open heart.”
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Marcella Dalsey (59) – Katz’s longtime partner and close companion, who also served as executive director of the Drew A. Katz Foundation, named for his late son. Dalsey was deeply involved in philanthropic work, particularly in education and community programs.
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Susan Asbell (68) – A close family friend of Katz, Asbell was well known in New Jersey political and philanthropic circles.
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James McDowell (61) – The experienced pilot of the Gulfstream IV, who had decades of flying under his belt. Colleagues praised his professionalism and skill.
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Bailey Brown (27) – The co-pilot, remembered as a rising star in aviation with a promising career ahead.
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Nathaniel “Nate” Griffith (45) – A flight attendant whose career was dedicated to ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers.
Together, these seven individuals represented a cross-section of personal stories, professional dedication, and community ties. Their sudden loss left a profound void for families, friends, and communities.
A Community in Mourning
In the days following the crash, vigils were held in Camden, Philadelphia, and Longport. Neighbors placed flowers on doorsteps, while colleagues and friends shared memories in newspapers and on television.
The staff of The Philadelphia Inquirer was particularly shaken. Just a day before the crash, Katz had finalized plans to gain full ownership of the paper, pledging to reinvest in its journalism. For many, his death represented not only a personal loss but also a symbolic blow to the future of the publication.
Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter called Katz “a giant in both generosity and civic spirit.” Across New Jersey and Pennsylvania, community leaders echoed similar sentiments.
Ed Rendell’s Narrow Escape
Former Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell revealed that he had nearly joined Katz on the trip. Katz had invited him to attend an event hosted by historian Doris Kearns Goodwin at her Massachusetts home. Rendell, citing another commitment, declined the offer. In interviews afterward, he admitted the news of the crash left him shaken, calling it “a reminder of how fragile life is.”
His near miss underscored the randomness of fate, sparking public reflection about the unpredictability of tragedy.
Safety Questions and Aviation Oversight
While grief dominated headlines, aviation experts focused on what could be learned. The Gulfstream IV is a respected business jet with a strong safety record. If the gust lock theory proved correct, it would point to both human and mechanical factors converging in a deadly mistake.
The NTSB has long stressed the importance of rigorous pre-flight checklists. A failure to disengage the gust lock would prevent the plane’s elevators from functioning properly, making takeoff impossible. Whether this was a lapse by the crew, a technical malfunction, or a combination of both became central questions.
Beyond the technical details, the crash reignited conversations about safety in private aviation, where oversight is less stringent than in commercial passenger flights. Advocates called for stronger regulations, better training protocols, and heightened awareness of potential risks.
The Legacy of Loss
Though the official investigation would take months to complete, the immediate legacy of the Hanscom Field crash was felt in the lives shattered and the communities left to grieve.
Lewis Katz’s philanthropic foundation continued his mission, supporting education and health initiatives. Anne Leeds’s family honored her by contributing to local schools and preschools. Tributes for the other victims poured in from across the nation.
For aviation, the tragedy served as a sobering reminder of the need for vigilance, adherence to procedure, and continual improvement of safety systems.
Conclusion
The Hanscom Field crash of May 31, 2014, was more than just an aviation accident—it was a human tragedy that claimed seven remarkable lives, including philanthropist Lewis Katz. It left communities mourning, colleagues reflecting, and investigators searching for answers.
As the NTSB continued its work, one truth remained clear: safety in aviation requires constant vigilance. The lessons drawn from this crash, though born of heartbreak, hold the potential to save lives in the future.
The legacy of those lost lives on in the memories of their loved ones, in the institutions they supported, and in the collective effort to make the skies safer for everyone.
