What happened
The aircraft departed Rivers AFB on a scheduled training mission. During the exercise, meteorological conditions rapidly deteriorated due to an unpredicted storm. Facing heavy rainfall and active lightning, the crew decided to abort the mission and return to base. However, visibility and conditions remained hazardous, prompting the pilot to execute an emergency landing in a field situated 10 km northeast of the airbase.
The aircraft impacted brush during the touchdown, sustaining damage that rendered it beyond repair. All four members of the crew escaped the wreckage with minor injuries. The flight deck comprised two navigators, a wireless operator, and the pilot.