National Airlines B747-400 Freighter (BCF) Down in Bagram, Afghanistan

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Crash: National Air Cargo B744 at Bagram on Apr 29th 2013, lost height shortly after takeoff​
By Simon Hradecky, created Monday, Apr 29th 2013 14:02Z, last updated Monday, Apr 29th 2013 15:11Z​

A National Air Cargo Boeing 747-400 on behalf of US Mobility Command, registration N949CA performing a cargo flight from Bagram (Afghanistan) to an unknown destination, has crashed shortly after takeoff from Bagram Air Base's runway 03 at 15:30L (11:00Z) and erupted into flames near the end of the runway with the perimeter of the Air Base. All 8 crew are reported perished in the crash.​
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Afghan Authorities immediately denied claims that the crash of a large civilian cargo aircraft was the result of enemy activities. A large fire erupted after the aircraft impacted ground, it appears all crew have been killed.​
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Coalition Forces reported a civilian large cargo planed crashed shortly after takeoff, at the time of the accident there was no enemy activity around the aerodrome. Rescue and Recovery efforts are under way, the Air Base is currently locked down and the aerodrome is closed.​
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National Air Cargo confirmed one of their aircraft with 8 crew crashed at Bagram.​
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Several observers on the ground reported the National Air Cargo Boeing 747-400 had just lifted off and was climbing through approximately 1200 feet when it's nose sharply rose, the aircraft appeared to have stalled and came down erupting in a blaze.​
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According to a listener on frequency the crew reported the aircraft stalled due to a possible load shift.​
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National Air Cargo operates three Boeing 747-400s with the registrations N952CA, N919CA and N949CA. N949CA operated into Afghanistan yesterday (Apr 28th).​
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Metars (of Kabul 22nm south of Bagram, no Metars for OAIX available):​
OAKB 291350Z 18004KT 7000 BKN050 13/04 Q1016 NOSIG RMK BLU BLU ​
OAKB 291250Z 30007KT 9999 SCT040CB BKN060 15/01 Q1015 NOSIG RMK BLU BLU ​
OAKB 291150Z 10017G27KT 9999 VCTS SCT090CB BKN120 16/06 Q1013 NOSIG RMK BLU BLU ​
OAKB 291050Z 11020G30KT 9999 SCT090 OVC120 16/05 Q1012 NOSIG RMK BLU BLU​
OAKB 290950Z 10020G30KT 9999 SCT080CB 17/06 Q1012 NOSIG RMK BLU+ BLU+ ​
OAKB 290850Z 10025G42KT 9999 FEW060CB SCT070 17/05 Q1013 NOSIG RMK BLU+ BLU+​
OAKB 290750Z 11020G30KT 9999 BKN060 17/06 Q1014 NOSIG RMK BLU BLU ​
OAKB 290650Z 10017KT 9999 FEW050 BKN060 16/05 Q1015 NOSIG RMK BLU BLU ​
 
Yeah I was going to post something about this this afternoon, hearing the initial reports. However I didn't have much detail. I didn't read the posted links but I will dispel some rumors. It was not the Taliban. There was bad weather up at Bagram at the time of the accident. The initial reports were either stall spin or windshear. Should know more in the mornig.
 
moxiepilot said:
Yeah I was going to post something about this this afternoon, hearing the initial reports. However I didn't have much detail. I didn't read the posted links but I will dispel some rumors. It was not the Taliban. There was bad weather up at Bagram at the time of the accident. The initial reports were either stall spin or windshear. Should know more in the mornig.
Click to expand...

OAKB 291150Z 10017G27KT 9999 VCTS SCT090CB BKN120 16/06 Q1013 NOSIG RMK BLU BLU
OAKB 291050Z 11020G30KT 9999 SCT090 OVC120 16/05 Q1012 NOSIG RMK BLU BLU
 
http://avherald.com/h?article=46183bb4&opt=0

A National Air Cargo Boeing 747-400 on behalf of US Mobility Command, registration N949CA performing a cargo flight from Bagram (Afghanistan) to an unknown destination, has crashed shortly after takeoff from Bagram Air Base's runway 03 at 15:30L (11:00Z) and erupted into flames near the end of the runway with the perimeter of the Air Base. All 8 crew are reported perished in the crash.

Afghan Authorities immediately denied claims that the crash of a large civilian cargo aircraft was the result of enemy activities. A large fire erupted after the aircraft impacted ground, it appears all crew have been killed.

Coalition Forces reported a civilian large cargo planed crashed shortly after takeoff, at the time of the accident there was no enemy activity around the aerodrome. Rescue and Recovery efforts are under way, the Air Base is currently locked down and the aerodrome is closed.

National Air Cargo confirmed one of their aircraft with 8 crew crashed at Bagram.

Several observers on the ground reported the National Air Cargo Boeing 747-400 had just lifted off and was climbing through approximately 1200 feet when it's nose sharply rose, the aircraft appeared to have stalled and came down erupting in a blaze.

According to a listener on frequency the crew reported the aircraft stalled due to a possible load shift.
 
There's a comment from an apparent eyewitness that describes the aftermath of a load shift in rather graphic detail. Also, at least one image out there of burning wreckage from a distance that suggests the wx was good.

Stay safe.
 
Hacker15e said:
What would an eyewitness see that could verify a load shift? Would a rapid pitch-up be it?
Click to expand...
Correct.
I witnessed this crash today and there was no Taliban involvement. I can tell you this for sure – the 747 took off and commenced a quite steep climb out, not unusual for here, then one of two things happened. In my opinion either the strong head wind or a micro up burst caused it to pitch upward at what looked to be at least 85deg. Nose up or the cargo shifted to the rear and caused it to nose up. It then did what all swept wing aircraft do in a stall and pitched left at about 1200 Ft AGL, then it seemed like the pilot tried to correct and it pitched right and headed for the ground just before impact. It looked like it had flattened out to nearly level but had very little or no forward speed – what followed was the ground shook, followed by a large ball of fire and a huge black cloud of smoke. I truly wish I had not seen this, but I did, and my prayers and thoughts go out to all involved – both on board and the family and loved ones of the crew and passengers.
Click to expand...
 
this is a horrible shock to all of us, and we're waiting for the official investigation report - without speculations.
our thoughts are with the deceased and their bereaved families.
 
Here's what an AF guy over on BaseOps wrote about National. Since I have no experience in the cargo world, can't comment on the validity (not specific to this event):

At OAMS I've seen USAF ATOC personnel walk away from a NAC bird due to some shady stuff being done refusing to be part of it to protect themselves.
Click to expand...
 
Hacker15e said:
Here's what an AF guy over on BaseOps wrote about National. Since I have no experience in the cargo world, can't comment on the validity (not specific to this event):
Click to expand...

This stuff seems to come up after an incident/accident. If people feel strongly enough to walk away, they should speak up.

There are a few guys that left my job and work up there for NAC, and some furloughed UPS guys. I know nothing of the operation though.
 
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