[Revi16]

Based on what the story has written, my interpretation is that the Spitfire may have had a mechanical or fuel problem (engine quit, fuel starvation) and most likely the pilot bailed out and then the pilot-less aircraft spun in. It would be odd for the aircraft just to lose control on its own with the pilot still in it. I guess there is the possibility that the slipper tank somehow managed to damage the elevator or rudder when dropped, but very unlikely.

Again, this was reported to have happened 20 miles off the coast. Unless the slipper tank has BL311 painted on it I don't see the correlation.