What happened
During a mission intended to illuminate a specific search zone, the crew was engaged in the deployment of parachute flares. During this process, one of the flares ignited prematurely inside the aircraft. The resulting production of heavy smoke quickly overwhelmed the pilots and the rest of the crew, leading to a loss of control. The aircraft subsequently impacted the surface of the sea.
Findings
- The primary factor in the accident was the accidental ignition of a flare within the cabin.
- The intense smoke generated by the fire rendered the flight crew unable to maintain control of the vessel.
- There were six fatalities among the crew members present during the incident.