[freedumb2003]

I have no idea how the complex computers didn’t detect the load unbalance at takeoff.

It is baffling to say the least.

[South40]

It does seem rather unlikely. Perhaps there was a load shift which begs the question, why was the load not better secured.

[Ruy Dias de Bivar]

***I have no idea how the complex computers didn’t detect the load unbalance at takeoff.***

I thought that is what a Cargomaster was for. worked with KC-135s.

[holden]

The load might've conceibably been within safety limits, but the pilot may have been "flying by the seat of his/her pants" (inertial feel, muscle memory), or even been showing off, letting airspeed get too slow, straying into the "area of reverse command", where s/he probably had little experience flying the a/c.

What I saw developing in the video (before the "point of no return") would've required dramatic, counter-intuitive control inputs that some pilots would shrink from doing, never having to do them before (outside a simulator).

OTOH, there may have additionally been a contributory hardware system failure that would've been beyond any pilot's ability to overcome.

/complete speculation
HF, CFII

[sukhoi31]

the way that they have to be loaded into the aircraft is going to be changed after this. they have to be loaded into the fuselage at an angle, which doesnt allow for the load to be locked in. it is simply strapped in. i am willing to bet that the load of the 5 MRAP shifted very unexpectedly which caused the stall/spin. each MRAP weighs 14tons, so even if one of them broke its straps it would have shifted enough to either break the other MRAPs loose or if it was the only one, it would have surely caused the accident. they are saying that the weather might be to blame as well, however ive flown enough to let you know that it is probably unlikely. not saying to rule it out, but it is fairly unlikely that the cause of the stall/spin in a 747 from just that is unlikely. and before you go second guessing my train of thought, i have flown the C-5 Galaxy in the air force and i fly for this particular company. while i did not know this crew personally, i have flown into and delivered supplies to this particular airport.