What happened
During a routine meteorological mission over the Atlantic Ocean, an aircraft operated by the 202nd Squadron was returning to Belfast-Aldergrove Airport. As the flight approached Achill Island, the crew notified ground control that their mission had concluded successfully.
Shortly after this communication, the aircraft encountered heavy fog and significantly reduced visibility. During the approach, the plane struck the slope of Mt Croaghan on Achill Island. The force of the impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft. There were eight fatalities among the crew members on board.
Findings
Official investigations into the crash identified that the aircraft was flying at an insufficient altitude during the flight. It is believed the crew may have been unaware of their precise geographical position at the time of the collision. Additionally, the presence of dense fog and poor visibility was noted as a contributing factor to the accident.