Accident
Aircraft participating in the 'Hawk Star I' exercise were conducting takeoff operations from a remote airstrip located approximately five miles north of Ridgeway. Shortly after liftoff, one of the engines failed. The subsequent loss of height caused the airplane to crash into a fence.
Injuries
The crash resulted in injuries to fifteen aircraft occupants. Additionally, five other occupants were killed, and two soldiers who were repairing the fence at the time of the accident also sustained fatal injuries.
Investigation
The official investigation determined the probable cause of the accident to be a failure of one engine for an unknown reason.