Incident Overview
Shortly after departing from Yokota Air Force Base, a multi-engine aircraft encountered a series of engine-related emergencies during its initial climb. The crew reported a fire in engine number four at an altitude of 150 feet. Despite the developing situation, the aircraft continued ascending, reaching 500 feet when engine number two also caught fire.
Inflight Events
At an altitude of 600 feet, two distinct explosions occurred in engine number two. As the aircraft climbed to 650 feet, nine crew members executed a bailout. The aircraft subsequently stalled and entered a descent, crashing in flames approximately 10 kilometers from the airbase.
Casualties and Rescue
Three crew members were killed in the accident. All nine crew members who bailed out were successfully rescued.
Probable Cause
Official findings attributed the accident to fire and explosion on two engines after takeoff.