What happened
The incident involved a Boeing test aircraft conducting a local flight operation at Edwards Air Force Base. The mission was undertaken for the benefit of the 419th Flight Test Squadron and included eight occupants aboard. This group consisted of six crew members, two of whom were employees of Boeing, alongside two civil flight test engineers. Shortly after departing from the runway, the aircraft lost control and began an uncontrolled descent. It subsequently impacted the ground, triggering a massive explosion. The force of the impact combined with the ensuing post-crash fire completely destroyed the airplane. Tragically, all eight individuals on board perished in the accident.
Findings
The primary outcome of this event was the total loss of the aircraft and the fatalities of everyone aboard. The Boeing test aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and a post crash fire. All eight occupants were killed. The sequence of events indicates that an uncontrolled descent immediately following takeoff led directly to the catastrophic crash.