The flight crashed during the initial climb shortly after takeoff from Anchorage, in part because the captain, Hugh L. Marsh, was intoxicated as shown by a blood alcohol level of 0.29; the co-pilot and the other crew were not impaired.

The ice present on the surface of the wings and leading edges could have reduced the angle of attack needed to produce a stall.

[1][4] The cockpit crew consisted of:[2]: 22 A taxi driver who drove Captain Marsh to the airport told investigators that he seemed disoriented.

At 06:35:39 AST, JAL Cargo Flight 1045 crashed at Anchorage International Airport shortly after takeoff from runway 24L.

A witness reportedly saw the flight climb to approximately 100 feet above the ground, veer to the left, and then slide out of the air.