One bomb-carrying Swordfish lost its external long-range tank and could no longer reach Taranto and return. Its pilot restarted the engine and turned back toward Illustrious. The carrier, not expecting a friendly aircraft so soon, opened fire before recognizing it and stopping. The incident exposes the air-defence coordination problem created when strict plans, radio discipline, and an unforeseen mechanical failure collided at night.
Notable Point · 2:41:24-2:41:54
When an unexpected Swordfish returned early
A Swordfish forced back by a lost long-range tank was briefly fired on because Illustrious did not expect a friendly aircraft.