The pilot dived steeply to minimize time inside the anti-aircraft barrage and accelerated well beyond normal Swordfish cruise speed. A displaced barrage balloon put its cable directly across the descent. The collision tore the controls from his hand and left the aircraft diving almost vertically toward central Taranto. Brute force on the stick recovered the Swordfish over the harbour, but only partial lateral control remained for the attack.
Notable Point · 2:50:25-2:52:07
A balloon cable and a near crash into Taranto
One Swordfish struck a balloon cable during its dive, lost most lateral control, and recovered only just above the city and harbour.