What happened
During a routine flight phase at an altitude of approximately 800 metres, the aircraft experienced a sudden and severe structural integrity issue. The incident began with the detachment of panels from the port wing, which initiated a chain reaction of further degradation to the wing structure. This progressive failure ultimately resulted in the physical loss of engine number one.
Following the separation of the engine, the aircraft lost aerodynamic stability and entered an uncontrolled descent. The situation worsened as structural failures also affected the starboard wing panels. Unable to regain control, the airplane crashed into a residential area near Huron. The impact triggered a massive explosion that destroyed the airframe and caused significant damage to nearby houses.
All 12 occupants on board were killed in the accident. The fatalities included nine military personnel and three civilians who were also aboard the aircraft at the time of the crash.
Findings
Investigations into the incident determined that the root cause was a progressive structural failure originating in the port wing. The initial detachment of wing panels led to further degradation, which caused engine number one to separate from the airframe. This event resulted in a loss of control. Subsequently, similar structural failures occurred on the starboard wing, ensuring the aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent that ended in a fatal crash.