Shortly after takeoff from Wake Island Airport runway 10, while climbing by night to an altitude of 400 feet, the four engine airplane went out of control and crashed into the sea about 1,500 meters offshore. Two engines and few debris were found while the aircraft sank and was lost. All 16 occupants were killed.
Probable cause (official findings): It is believed that the pilot-in-command lost control of the airplane during initial climb after he suffered a spatial disorientation while flying over the ocean without any visual references. The accident occurred while there was no ATC at airport.