A C-17 with 4 engines.... What else besides structural failure - or jockying - could take it out of the envelope like that? Hmmm....
RIP
“What else besides structural failure - or jockying - could take it out “
Fuel contamination.
Stall due to mis-setting the density altitude prior to takeoff
Failure to meet Vs - for any number of reasons
Hitting a sheer gust that exceeds Vb
Exceeding the Va
Partial hydraulic failure
Loss of flap or ailerons control to one wing
Bird strike (multiple)
Electrical failure or fire
Loss of critical flight control systems
Combat damage (not this time tho)
Oddly the USAF has a host of pros called
(wait for it)
AIR FORCE SAFETY AND ACCIDENT BOARD INVESTIGATIONS
That dig into the cause of these events to determine how ot avoid them in the future.
But rather than make some really bad taste, snarky comment -
I'll Pray for the families here in town - these were AKANG folks.
And wait for the AIB report.
It is rumored that a witness saw a door/panel visibly open before the crash. Don’t know if that would have anything to do with it, but who’s to say it wouldn’t?