What happened
The aircraft was conducting an active combat mission when it encountered hostile air defense. A pilot flying a German Me.109 engaged the bomber and successfully shot it down. Following the impact, the aircraft lost control and entered an uncontrolled dive toward the terrain below. It ultimately crashed into a field, where the structure broke apart and ignited, bursting into flames. The accident resulted in the loss of all personnel on board; all five crew members were killed. The flight deck included two pilots, an observer, a wireless operator, and an air gunner.
Findings
Official investigations confirmed that the primary cause of the accident was the interception by enemy forces. The aircraft was destroyed during aerial combat, leading to its uncontrolled descent and subsequent impact with the ground.