Accident Overview
The accident occurred when the airplane crashed immediately after liftoff during a three-engine takeoff. All three crew members were killed.
Flightcrew Factors
The flightcrew had experienced a shortened rest break prior to the flight. Rest periods were not required for ferry flights conducted under Part 91. The crew suffered from fatigue due to lack of rest, sleep deprivation, and disruption of circadian rhythms. They did not have adequate, realistic training in three-engine takeoff techniques or procedures and lacked a sufficient understanding of three-engine takeoff procedures, including the significance of Vmcg (minimum control speed on the ground). During the first takeoff attempt, the captain applied power to the asymmetrical engine too soon, was unable to maintain directional control, and rejected the takeoff. The captain then agreed to modify the procedure by allowing the flight engineer to advance the throttle, a deviation from the prescribed procedure.
FAA Oversight and Regulations
FAA oversight of the operator was inadequate because the principal operations inspector and geographic inspectors were unable to effectively monitor domestic crew training and international operations. Existing FAR Part 121 flight time limits and rest requirements that pertained to flights the crew flew prior to the ferry flight did not apply to the ferry flight, which was conducted under FAR Part 91.
Probable Cause
The probable cause as determined by the official investigation includes: the loss of directional control by the pilot in command during the takeoff roll, his decision to continue the takeoff and initiate a rotation below the computed rotation airspeed, resulting in a premature liftoff and further loss of control; the flightcrew's lack of understanding of the three-engine takeoff procedures and their decision to modify those procedures; and the company's failure to ensure adequate experience, training, and rest for the crew. Contributing factors included inadequate FAA oversight and flight and duty time regulations that permitted a substantially reduced rest period for the ferry flight.