What happened
The incident occurred while the crew was conducting a low-level bombing practice over Sinclair's Bay, located off Wick in Scotland. During the maneuver, the aircraft released a practice bomb from an altitude of approximately 50 feet. Following the release, witnesses observed the machine pull up to around 200 feet as it attempted to turn back toward the target area.
However, the aircraft entered a high-G stall during this turning maneuver. Consequently, the plane lost control and crashed into the sea. Search operations were immediately launched by ASR units and a Walrus aircraft to locate the missing crew. Despite these efforts, only wreckage was recovered from the water; no survivors were found.
The accident resulted in the loss of all five personnel on board, who were serving with 1693 Flight. The team consisted of the pilot, a navigator, and three wireless operators who also served as air gunners.