What happened
During an enroute phase of flight, the aircraft experienced a critical mechanical failure when both left engines (number one and two) ceased functioning. The pilot attempted to maintain control of the airframe following the loss of power on the port side but was unable to prevent the crash into the Celebes Sea. Despite the severity of the impact, the captain managed to transmit his precise location before communications were lost.
Rescue operations were initiated immediately upon locating the wreckage. Personnel from HMS Opposum arrived at the scene and conducted an evacuation operation. They successfully rescued eight individuals who sustained injuries. Unfortunately, two people did not survive the accident. The aircraft was operated by 23rd Squadron and carried a total of ten personnel, including the flight crew and passengers.
Findings
The official investigation concluded that the primary cause of the accident was double engine failure for unknown reason. No specific mechanical defect or external factor was identified in the available records to explain why both engines on the left side failed simultaneously.