What happened
The incident occurred during a night departure from Nouméa-La Tontouta Airport. The aircraft was en route to Sydney and carried a total of 23 occupants, consisting of crew members and officers returning from rest. Shortly after leaving the ground, one engine failed while the airplane was in the climb phase. In response to the mechanical issue, the pilot initiated a return to the departure airport. However, the aircraft subsequently lost control and crashed into St Vincent Bay. All 23 individuals on board perished in the accident, including 16 US Navy pilots.
The aircraft was operated by Marine Air Wing 2 (MAW-2), specifically under Marine Air Group 25 (MAG-25) and Marine Utility Squadron 253 (VMJ-253). The source material does not provide a specific registration number for the airframe involved in this event.