What happened
During the initial climb phase following departure from Yokota Air Base, the aircraft encountered severe mechanical failures. While ascending to an altitude of 150 feet, the number four engine ignited. As the flight continued its ascent to 500 feet, a second fire broke out in the number two engine.
As the aircraft reached 600 feet, two separate explosions occurred within the number two engine compartment. At an altitude of 650 feet, the nine crew members on board initiated emergency bailouts. Following the evacuation, the aircraft type lost aerodynamic stability and entered a stall. The plane subsequently crashed in flames approximately 10 km from the airbase.
Findings
The accident resulted in three fatalities, while all personnel who successfully exited the aircraft were later recovered by rescue teams. The sequence of events was driven by simultaneous fires and explosions in two separate engines during the takeoff climb.