What happened
The aircraft departed from Koumac Airfield in New Caledonia to conduct a reconnaissance mission over the Solomon Islands. During the return leg of the flight, the crew encountered deteriorating weather conditions. As the airplane attempted its approach to land, it crashed into the sea. Search and rescue operations were unable to locate the aircraft or the personnel on board, leading to their status being classified as missing in action. The wreckage was not recovered until 2000, when a fisherman discovered the debris.
Findings
The incident involved a crew of nine military personnel who were lost when the plane struck the water during approach in adverse weather. No specific technical failures or mechanical issues are detailed in the available records regarding the cause of the crash.