The army told The Times of Malta that the single-engined Bulldog TMk1, tail number AS0020 which was on a coastal patrol, was extensively damaged.  

The incident, the army told the newspaper, is the subject of a magisterial inquiry as well as an internal technical inquiry by the AFM.  

No information was available as to the cause of the incident.  

Meanwhile, other members of the AFM were busy bringing in 60 illegal immigrants into Haywharf. Police were informed of their arrival at 2015CEST.    

Police investigations are underway.