Accident Details
A four-engine airplane departed from Wake Island Airport's runway 10 at night. During the initial climb, while reaching an altitude of 400 feet, the aircraft lost control and crashed into the sea approximately 1,500 meters offshore. The aircraft sank and was lost; only two engines and some debris were recovered. All 16 occupants were killed.
The accident occurred at a time when the airport had no air traffic control (ATC) services.
Investigation
The investigation focused on the circumstances of the loss of control. No aircraft type, registration, operator, or date were specified in the official findings. The recovery efforts located two engines and limited debris, but the main wreckage was not recovered.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause states that the pilot-in-command lost control of the airplane during the initial climb after suffering spatial disorientation while flying over the ocean without any visual references.