The crash involved a French surveillance aircraft that was reportedly on a mission connecting Europe and North Africa, specifically targeting operations related to Libya. As the aircraft attempted to take off from Malta International Airport, it experienced a catastrophic failure that led to the tragic accident. Those aboard included a mix of military and civilian personnel tasked with monitoring the situation in Libya, where ongoing conflicts have prompted international attention and military involvement since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing the aircraft struggle to gain altitude before it went down in a fiery explosion, which raised alarms about the safety of military aircraft in such operations. The incident triggered a response from both Maltese authorities and the French Military, with immediate investigations set in motion to decipher the cause of this unfortunate mishap.

The impact rippled through military and diplomatic circles, with France reaffirming its commitment to operations in Libya. Moreover, it highlighted the challenges faced in maintaining operational standards during complex missions in volatile regions. The investigation into the accident aimed to address both technical faults and procedural challenges that might have contributed to the crash.