Nighttime Stall and Crash of a Four-Engine Aircraft Offshore (56496)

Accident Overview and Immediate Outcome A four-engine aircraft departed runway 04 at Roi-Namur-Dyess Airport and entered an initial climb at night. Three minutes after takeoff, the aircraft stalled and crashed into the sea approximately 2.5 km offshore. The aircraft sank a few hundred yards from the impact point, and all 26 occupants were killed. Only a small amount of debris was recovered. ## Official Investigation Findings The investigation was unable to determine the exact cause of the accident. However, investigators identified several findings. The captain was distracted while the first officer was searching for different radio frequencies. Some instruments appeared to have failed. A sudden power loss occurred on two engines on the same side of the aircraft, either engines 1 and 2 or engines 3 and 4. The autopilot system was engaged by a person not authorized to do so, apparently someone other than the two pilots. A lateral loss of control resulted from a flap malfunction, with the flaps deployed in an asymmetric position. A technical issue affected the primary control system. A structural failure probably occurred simultaneously at the extremities of both wings and on the tail.