What happened
A cargo flight transporting food, medical supplies, and equipment for US personnel in Saudi Arabia departed from Ramstein Air Base on a mission to Dhahran. Shortly after performing a night takeoff from runway 27, the four-engine aircraft reached an altitude of approximately 50 to 100 feet while traveling at 161 knots. During this early climb phase, the plane ceased its ascent and began a leftward roll.
As the aircraft drifted, the left wing made contact with a line of pine trees. This impact was severe enough to tear off the number one engine. Following the loss of the engine, the aircraft became uncontrollable, lost altitude rapidly, and struck the ground in a forested area situated roughly one kilometer beyond the runway threshold. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the airframe. The accident resulted in 13 fatalities and 4 serious injuries among the occupants.
Findings
The primary factor in the accident was the impact with trees during the climb, which led to the separation of the number one engine and the subsequent loss of control.