What happened
During a mission to conduct a torpedo attack on enemy vessels within Pomelaa Harbour, the aircraft came under heavy anti-aircraft fire. The sustained hits caused the plane to lose control and crash directly into the water. Of the ten personnel on board, eight were killed immediately in the impact or subsequent sinking. Two crew members managed to escape the wreckage and were rescued from the sea. However, one of these survivors succumbed to their injuries the following day, bringing the total death toll to nine.
Findings
The official investigation determined that the loss was a direct result of combat operations. The aircraft was shot down by enemy fire while executing its attack run. No mechanical failures or pilot error were cited as contributing factors in the final assessment.