What happened
During a scheduled nighttime training operation involving multiple similar aircraft, the crew experienced a loss of situational awareness. While operating in marginal weather conditions, the aircraft was flying in formation when it became separated from the lead plane.
In an attempt to re-establish visual contact with the flight leader, the aircraft underwent a sudden loss of altitude. This descent continued until the plane struck the ground in a field. The impact resulted in six fatalities among the crew members, while the flight engineer survived the accident with injuries.
Findings
- The incident occurred during the cruise phase of flight.
- Atmospheric conditions were characterized by marginal weather at the time of the separation.
- Loss of visual contact with the lead aircraft was a primary factor in the sequence leading to the ground impact.