The Jargon File (version 4.4.7, 29 Dec 2003):

crash and burn
 vi.,n.

    A spectacular crash, in the mode of the conclusion of the car-chase scene
    in the movie Bullitt and many subsequent imitators (compare die horribly
    ). The construction crash-and-burn machine is reported for a computer used
    exclusively for alpha or beta testing, or reproducing bugs (i.e., not for
    development). The implication is that it wouldn't be such a disaster if
    that machine crashed, since only the testers would be inconvenienced.


The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (30 December 2018):

crash and burn

    A spectacular crash, in the mode of the conclusion of
   the car-chase scene in the movie "Bullitt" and many subsequent
   imitators (compare die horribly).  A Sun-3 display
   screen losing the flyback transformer and lightning strikes
   on VAX-11/780 backplanes are notable crash and burn
   generators.

   The construction "crash-and-burn machine" is reported for a
   computer used exclusively for alpha or beta testing, or
   reproducing bugs (i.e. not for development).  The implication
   is that it wouldn't be such a disaster if that machine
   crashed, since only the testers would be inconvenienced.

   [Jargon File]

   (1996-02-22)