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Baghdad C-130H crash remains a mystery

A crash investigation could not determine what led a C-130H Hercules to lose simultaneous power in three engines as it took off from Baghdad International Airport on June 27, according to a report issued Wednesday by Air Mobility Command.

After the three engines stalled, the aircrew began emergency landing procedures and successfully guided the plane to touchdown in a field about four miles from the airport. The six aircrew members and 32 passengers, mostly soldiers, were able to walk away.

The investigation report explained that a minute after the C-130H began its takeoff roll and reached an altitude of 313 feet and a speed of about 180 mph, the anti-aircraft fire detection system activated. As the crew began defensive maneuvers, the airmen quickly realized power from engines No. 1, 2 and 4 had dropped to 60 percent, not enough power to keep the plane flying at such a low altitude and speed.

The investigation could not determine why the three engines stalled. Hostile fire was ruled out.

Days after the crash, a demolition team destroyed the wrecked 22-year-old aircraft.