Background
A crew from the 87th Squadron was performing a local training sortie departing from Sigonella Naval Air Station. A second Italian Air Force Harpoon, bearing the registration MM80061, was also airborne with five crew members on board.
Collision and Crash
The two Harpoon aircraft collided with each other in flight under unclear circumstances. Immediately after the collision, both airplanes went out of control and plunged into the ground, impacting in Vaccarizzo, a location about 15 kilometers south of Catania. The wreckage was found in a barren area less than one kilometer away from the shoreline.
Casualties and Damage
Both Harpoon aircraft were completely destroyed upon impact. The accident resulted in the deaths of all nine crew members from the two aircraft.