What happened
While performing a specialized mission for the United States Air Force (USAF) destined for Philadelphia, the aircraft experienced a loss of directional control during its takeoff roll. Upon detecting this instability, the pilot-in-command initiated an aborted takeoff and attempted to decelerate using emergency braking techniques.
Despite these efforts, the aircraft could not stop before the end of the available runway surface. The plane subsequently overran the paved area and collided with a concrete embankment. Following the impact, the aircraft came to a halt in a marshy region, at which point the right engine ignited.
All 45 occupants were successfully evacuated from the wreckage without injury. While there were no casualties, the aircraft sustained damage that rendered it a total loss.
Findings
- The primary factor in the accident was a directional control malfunction occurring during the takeoff phase.