What happened
The incident involved an aerial engagement in which the target aircraft was engaged by a Royal Air Force fighter. Following the interception, the plane was destroyed and subsequently crashed into the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Sciacca. The impact resulted in the loss of all personnel on board, with four crew members killed. The wreckage remained submerged until it was located during recovery efforts in 2016.
Findings
Official investigations confirmed that the primary cause of the accident was the aircraft being shot down by a British fighter. No other mechanical failures or pilot errors were cited as contributing factors to the loss of the airframe.