What happened
The incident occurred while the aircraft was conducting a simulated aerial attack as part of a routine training sortie. At an altitude ranging between 4,000 and 5,000 feet, the RAF Spitfire executed a left bank of approximately 20 degrees before entering an uncontrolled dive. The aircraft impacted the ground in the center of a populated urban area, resulting in a violent explosion upon impact.
The crash caused extensive structural damage to the surrounding infrastructure, destroying several residential buildings. Tragically, all four crew members perished in the accident. Additionally, sixteen individuals on the ground lost their lives, while numerous others sustained injuries, some of which were severe.
Findings
Investigations determined that the loss of control was primarily caused by a hydraulic line leak. This defect allowed thick smoke to fill the cockpit, effectively incapacitating the crew. Due to this environmental hazard, the flight deck was unable to maintain directional stability or transmit any distress signals before the impact.