[1][2] On 16 May 1995, following the completion of major servicing work, XW666 had departed RAF Kinloss on a routine air test flight with a crew of seven on board.

At this, the crew began the fire drill procedures but, while this was taking place, the warning light for the number 3 engine also illuminated.

At this point, the captain, who had attempted to divert to RAF Lossiemouth, elected to instead try and ditch the aircraft in the Moray Firth, as it was unclear whether the structural integrity would hold, and whether control could be maintained any longer.

Despite the lack of flaps, which were not functional due to hydraulic failure associated with the fire, the pilot was able to make a controlled ditching on the waters of the Moray Firth.

[3] Following an inquiry by the Air Accident Investigation Branch and the RAF,[4] it was determined that the DC loom on the aircraft's Number 4 engine had somehow sustained damage prior to the flight.