What happened
The crew initiated a night patrol flight under conditions of reduced visibility caused by snowfall. Shortly after takeoff, while the aircraft was in the climb phase, it crashed into a field situated approximately four miles east of Rhyl. The adverse weather conditions significantly delayed emergency response efforts, with rescuers requiring seven hours to reach the accident site. All four occupants sustained injuries during the incident, and the airframe suffered damage that rendered it beyond repair. The aircraft was operated by the 502th Squadron.
Findings
Official investigations indicated that the accident may have been attributed to ice accumulation on the wings and fuselage of the aircraft.