What happened
The incident occurred in the morning when the twin engine aircraft departed from Luganville Airport. The crew was participating in a bombing exercise over Palikulo Bay, located off the coast of Luganville. During the maneuvering phase of the flight, specifically while executing a turn, the pilot lost control of the machine. The aircraft subsequently overturned and plunged into the water just a few yards from the shore.
Findings
The loss of control during the turn was the immediate sequence leading to the crash. All seven occupants were killed in the accident. The crew belonged to the 9th Squadron and included pilots, officers, and an air gunner.