At wave-top height, dropping a heavy torpedo could make a Swordfish jump upward, and imperfectly level wings could allow one side to dip toward the water. The torpedo also needed the correct release height for water entry and for the cable reel holding its nose up to work properly. Aircraft approaching extremely low probably had to climb before release. Losing the torpedo's weight while still slightly nose-up could then carry an aircraft into the anti-aircraft fire overhead. At night, rounds without tracers could cause serious damage without the crew seeing what had struck them. These are possible explanations for a loss during release, and the opening aircraft's fate remains uncertain.
Notable Point · 38:55-41:19
Torpedo release could lift a Swordfish into the barrage
Releasing a heavy torpedo changed the aircraft's balance, while the required entry height could force a Swordfish to climb out of its lowest approach.