What happened
During a local training mission, the crew of the VP-871 experienced a sudden loss of control over the aircraft. The incident occurred in the vicinity of Smith Island, where the plane impacted the surface of Possession Sound. The crash took place less than one mile away from the island's coastline.
All nine fatalities were recorded among the crew members on board at the time of the impact. There were no survivors reported following the descent into the water.
Findings
- The primary factor in the accident was the loss of aircraft control during the flight maneuvers.