Incident Overview

Description
The C-141 had arrived at Cam Ranh Bay after a flight from Yokota AB, Japan. It was prepared for a night departure back to Yokota. While taxiing to the runway for takeoff the crew completed the Before Takeoff Checklist. The copilot inadvertently missed the item referring to the automatic Spoiler Select Switch. The switch should have been in the “Rejected Takeoff” (RTO) position, but was in the “Autoland” position when the airplane departed. Unnoticed by the crew, between 34-60 Knots, the spoilers automatically deployed to the ground position. The crew noticed a reduced acceleration rate, but elected to continue the takeoff. The aircraft became airborne, accelerated poorly and began a shallow descent. It crashed into the sea just off the end of the runway.
Primary Cause
Incorrect configuration of the automatic spoiler selector leading to uncontrolled deployment of spoilers.Incorrect configuration of the automatic spoiler selector leading to uncontrolled deployment of spoilers.Share on: