What happened
A training mission initiated from Argentia NAS over the Atlantic Ocean ended in a fatal accident when the aircraft entered an uncontrollable state. During the cruise phase of the flight, the crew experienced an initial failure of one generator. Shortly after this first malfunction, a second generator also ceased operation. In response to these electrical issues, the crew elected to abort the mission and return to Argentia NAS to perform a safe landing.
As the aircraft was executing its final approach under marginal weather conditions, it lost stability and impacted the water in the Bay of Placentia, approximately 6.5 km from the coastline. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft. There were 10 fatalities among the crew members on board.
Findings
Investigations into the accident highlighted a series of electrical system malfunctions. While the initial failures involved two generators, reports indicate that a third generator failed while the aircraft was on its final approach. This sequence of events led to the loss of control. The precise reason for the simultaneous or sequential failure of all three generators remained undetermined.