Accident Details
An aircraft engaged in a special flight from Kadena Air Force Base (AFB) to Yokota Air Force Base (AFB) crashed during takeoff. The aircraft was carrying a spare engine intended to repair another KC-135 that was grounded at Yokota Airbase.
Sequence of Events
During the takeoff roll, after traveling 2,100 meters, the crew began rotation. The aircraft stalled and struck the runway surface before becoming airborne again. After climbing to an altitude of 100 feet, it stalled a second time and crashed in a huge explosion 100 meters to the left of the extended centerline and approximately 150 meters past the runway end.
Aircraft and Occupants
The aircraft was totally destroyed in the crash. All 11 occupants on board were killed, and one motorist on the ground also lost their life.
Probable Cause
Investigators determined that the total weight of the aircraft was high at the time of the accident, and the pilot-in-command started the rotation prematurely. This caused the aircraft to stall and crash due to an insufficient takeoff speed.