What happened
During a supplemental cargo flight operated for the US Transportation Command, a Boeing aircraft crashed in the vicinity of Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan. The flight was scheduled to travel from Bagram to Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport. The aircraft was transporting a heavy load consisting of five mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicles, including two 12-ton M-ATVs and three 18-ton Cougars. Because these vehicles could not be placed in standard unit load devices, they were secured to floating pallets and held to the main deck using tie-down straps.
Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft experienced a steep climb followed by a descent characteristic of an aerodynamic stall. The impact and subsequent fire destroyed the aircraft and resulted in seven fatalities, involving the entire crew, which included the captain, first officer, loadmaster, two additional pilots, and two mechanics.
Findings
Investigation into the accident revealed that the cargo was not adequately secured. Evidence indicated that at least one M-ATV shifted toward the rear of the aircraft during the flight. This movement caused significant damage to the horizontal stabilizer and hydraulic systems, which prevented the crew from maintaining pitch control. The NTSB determined that the improperly restrained cargo was the primary factor, noting that the operator's cargo manual lacked critical safety information from the aircraft manufacturer and the cargo handling system provider. Furthermore, the company's procedures provided incorrect instructions for securing non-ULD cargo and failed to specify proper tie-down points or allowable loads.