[1][2] The investigating board determined that the probable cause of the accident was a lack of approach and runway lighting and improper guidance by the air traffic controller.

On July 20, the flight departed Everett without cargo en route to Travis Air Force Base.

Upon arrival in Travis military personnel loaded 25,999 pounds (11,793 kg) of cargo onto the aircraft under the supervision of the flight engineer.

In Anchorage, the crew was given weather information for the route to Shemya but were not notified of the approach and field lighting deficiencies.

At 00:45 the flight radioed Shemya air traffic control; reporting their position as 55° 46' North and 179° 08' East at an altitude of 10,000 feet.

[4][5] At 02:11 Alaska time the flight crashed 200 feet short of the runway in Shemya, killing all six crew members on board.

[7] The investigation revealed that the aircraft was in full working order when it crashed, in line with federal regulations and company procedures.