What happened
During a maritime surveillance mission over the Mediterranean Sea, a twin-engine aircraft crashed in Malta. The flight was conducting patrol operations intended to monitor narcotics and human trafficking routes. Shortly after departing from runway 13, the aircraft entered its initial climb phase when it began a right-hand bank. During this maneuver, the plane struck a perimeter fence before impacting the ground on Triq Carmelo Caruana Street.
The impact and subsequent fire completely destroyed the aircraft. There were five fatalities among the occupants, which included the flight crew of two and three members of the French Ministry of Defense. While initial reports suggested the mission was part of the EU Frontex Program, the Border Agency later denied any involvement in the flight.
Findings
Official statements from the Maltese government confirmed that the aircraft was operating as part of a French Customs surveillance initiative that had been active for five months. The mission's objective was to identify illegal trafficking routes in the Mediterranean. The crash occurred during the initial climb phase following takeoff.