After takeoff, as the aircraft reached 100 ft (30 m), it stalled and crashed into shallow water.

Poor maintenance and inadequate inspections were also suspected.

The aircraft involved was produced in 1944; because of military needs, it was equipped with larger fuel tanks, which allowed for intercontinental passenger flights.

The plane reached 70 feet (21 meters) after rotation, but then began to descend.

It then crashed into the sea 1,300 meters from the airport runway.