On January 15, 1993, at 0015 central standard time, a McDonnell Douglas DC8-55, N8041U, sustained a catastrophic engine failure to the number four engine while climbing following takeoff from Dallas Ft Worth (DFW) International Airport, Texas. None of the three man crew sustained injuries, however, the airplane did sustain minor damage. Weather was visual meteorological conditions. The airplane was owned and operated by Zantop International, Ypsilanti, Michigan. Following the loss of power to the number four engine the airplane returned to DFW, where an inspection was performed. The inspection was observed by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector. The inspection revealed that when the engine failed it propelled pieces aft, resulting in the control surfaces sustaining damage. Following the removal of the engine and subsequent teardown it was determined that a turbine wheel had failed.