What happened
During a scheduled demonstration flight conducted for the 78th Squadron at Fāyid Air Base, an accident occurred while the crew was engaged in equipment deployment. While operating at an altitude of approximately 800 feet, a parachute deployed earlier than intended. This premature deployment caused the parachute to strike the tail section of the aircraft.
Following the impact with the tail, the aircraft became uncontrollable. The flight ended in a massive explosion located roughly three kilometers away from the airfield. There were eight fatalities among the crew members on board.
Findings
- The primary factor leading to the loss of control was the premature deployment of a parachute during equipment dropping procedures.