What happened
The incident involved a military transport mission originating from Smokey Hill Air Force Base in Salina. The objective was to return to its home station at Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane. During the flight, the aircraft made an intermediate fuel stop at Malmstrom Air Force Base.
After departing Malmstrom, the plane was in a climbing phase during nighttime operations when it lost control. The aircraft subsequently impacted the ground in a snow-covered stubble field situated approximately 11 kilometers northeast of the airbase. The crash resulted in four fatalities and left eight other crew members injured.