Aircraft Accident During Local Training Flight from Twentynine Palms (148895)

Incident Overview and Sequence of Events On a local training flight departing from Twentynine Palms, the aircraft experienced a failure of engine number 1 shortly after takeoff. As the aircraft struggled to gain altitude, engine number 4 subsequently lost power. The crew attempted an emergency landing in a sandy area located approximately 4.5 kilometers past the end of the runway. All eight crew members escaped the incident uninjured, while the aircraft sustained damage beyond repair. ## Official Findings and Probable Cause The official investigation determined that the probable cause was the failure of engine number 1 during the initial climb, combined with a loss of power on engine number 4 for unknown reasons. Because the aircraft was being operated at its maximum takeoff weight (MTOW), the crew was unable to maintain a positive rate of climb following the engine failures.