The take-off began in a normal manner. Airplane took off.
Pilot used brakes to stop rotation of the main gear.
Airplane settled back to runway with brakes on.
Nose wheel hit runway and collapsed. Airplane slid forward on nose section and main gear. Marks on runway indicate this.
Airplane slid off end of runway and through field for about 150 yards until it hit a low dirt embankment on side of small road.
Airplane was up ended into vertical position on nose section.
The report goes on to say that investigation determined that the "throttles were full forward, trim tabs were set properly, half-flaps were down." The final recommendation was that "All pilots should be instructed on dangers of retracting main gear too soon and of applying brakes too soon after take-off."
The pilot, co-pilot, bombardier, navigator, engineer, and radio operator were killed. Two of the four remaining crew (rear gunners) had minor injuries, and two were uninjured.
The aircraft was unstable and leaning forward like it was going to fall flat on its top. The rescue crews secured it with cable At least one of the crew in the nose was still alive, but they couldn't get to him in time.