A test fixture for rollover crash testing of a test vehicle onto a moving surface employs a cradle (132) to support and rotate the test vehicle (104). A vertical support structure (118) to position and releasably holds the cradle. A moving sled (110) having a contact surface (136) and is carried by a guide (114) extending beneath the structure and the cradle fixture. The cradle is rotated and released from the structure responsive to a sensor for contact within a drop impact zone on the contact surface of the moving sled. Vertical motion of the cradle is then arrested to prevent further damage to the test vehicle or the test structure.
