What happened
The aircraft departed Casablanca bound for RAF Talbenny, with an intermediate stop scheduled at RAF Gibraltar-North Front. During the descent phase toward the destination airport, a severe fire broke out in the number four engine nacelle. The intensity of the flames caused the entire engine assembly to detach from the airframe and fall into the sea. Shortly after this event, the number three engine failed. As the aircraft attempted its final approach, the crew lost control of the machine. The airplane subsequently crashed onto a hillside in close proximity to the airbase. The impact resulted in the destruction of the aircraft. Tragically, one crew member and ten passengers were killed, while eight other occupants sustained injuries.
Findings
The official investigation identified an intense fire within the number four engine nacelle as the primary cause of the accident. Because the entire engine assembly separated from the aircraft and was lost in the sea, investigators were unable to determine the exact origin of the ignition. However, it was concluded that the fire likely originated between the engine back plate and the oil tank bulkhead.