What happened
During a scheduled transatlantic journey from McGuire (Fort Dix) Airbase to Lakenheath, UK, via Stephenville, the Liftmaster experienced a fatal accident. The aircraft departed from runway 24 at McGuire AFB and was in its initial climb phase when it encountered severe weather. Approximately two minutes after leaving the runway, the four-engine aircraft lost altitude and struck a heavily wooded area situated roughly 1.4 miles from the airfield.
The accident resulted in 46 fatalities, including both crew members and civilian passengers, while 20 individuals sustained injuries. The flight was carrying a total of eight crew members and 38 passengers at the time of the impact.
Findings
Investigation into the crash highlighted several hazardous meteorological conditions present during the departure. At the time of the accident, the area surrounding McGuire Airbase was experiencing thunderstorm activity characterized by wind gusts reaching 30 knots and significant turbulence. Visibility was limited to approximately 1,500 meters, with cloud bases ranging between 600 and 1,800 feet.
A primary factor under investigation was the impact of a potential microburst, as investigators did not rule out the possibility that the aircraft encountered a powerful downward draft during its climb.