Crash of 747 caught on dashcam in Afghanistan (video)

[mn9driver]

22. Properly securing cargo is hugely important.

This plane was carrying vehicles and other heavy items. If something broke loose on takeoff it could cause the center of gravity of the aircraft to shift too far to the rear for the elevators to be able to control it. It's possible that the elevator itself malfunctioned, but heavy cargo breaking loose is much more likely. This was a 747-400 model and it had a modern flight data recorder which is probably still readable. If so, investigators will know for sure what happened in a matter of days.

Since this was in Afghanistan, sabotage is a real possibility. A deliberately weakened link on a few of the tie down chains could give the appearance of a properly secured load. The investigators will be able to determine that as well. Just from the video it can be seen that the ailerons and rudder were functioning and that the engines were audibly running at high power. Also, the landing gear was still extended, indicating that the problem was big, the crew was fully occupied with it, and it happened right at liftoff.

A couple of the crew were retired airline pilots. Friends of friends. Very sad.