The aircraft had been built during World War II, and after the conflict ended it was modified for maritime search and rescue.

[1] With three out of its four engines still working, Smith took over control of the aircraft and attempted to return to the airfield to make an emergency landing.

However, the aircraft's speed was too slow, its altitude was too low and it was turning to starboard, and less than three minutes after takeoff it crashed into a residential area in the town of Luqa.

The crash left a trail of destruction of about 275 metres (902 ft), with a number of houses being severely damaged or destroyed.

British paramedics and specialists as well as United States Navy personnel who had been based at Ħal Far also offered first aid to the victims.

A civilian from Luqa suffered severe burns due to fire from fuel in one of the aircraft's wings which landed in her garden.

[1] One of the first responders at the crash site, RAF Luqa fire section chief Cecil F. Harrison, was awarded the British Empire Medal on 1 September 1953 for his deeds during the rescue.

He had discovered two crew members who had been thrown out of the aircraft, and he comforted them amidst burning wreckage and shouted until further help arrived.