What happened
A mission conducted by the 58th Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron resulted in an aircraft accident shortly after departing from Eielson AFB. The flight was performing weather observation duties when a mechanical issue occurred during the early stages of the ascent. Specifically, one of the engines ceased functioning while the aircraft was in its initial climb phase.
Following the loss of power, the aircraft was unable to maintain its altitude and began to descend rapidly. This loss of height led to a crash landing approximately 5 km west of the airbase. The incident resulted in one fatality and ten injuries among the crew members on board.
Findings
The investigation into the accident concluded that the primary factor was an engine failure occurring immediately after takeoff.