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Aircraft Attacking Yalu River Bridge Shot Down by Soviet Fighter (44-86370)

Ryongampo, North KoreaFlight

On April 12, 1951, a Boeing B-29 Superfortress (registration 44-86370) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Ryongampo, North Korea in flight. 12 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Shot down by a Soviet fighter. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

While attacking a bridge over the Yalu River, an aircraft was shot down by a Soviet MiG-15, causing engine fire and crash into the sea. All 12 crew members remain missing.

Incident Overview

While attacking a bridge spanning the Yalu River between Andong and Sinuiju, North Korea, the aircraft was shot down by the pilot of a Soviet MiG-15. Engine number one caught fire, and the aircraft crashed into the sea off Ryongampo. Few debris were found off shore, but no trace of the 12 crew members was recovered.

Crew Members

The crew consisted of the following individuals:

  • Sgt Hugh M. Burch
  • M/Sgt Albert B. Carlson
  • 1st Lt James J. Connolly
  • Maj Anaclethe P. Decesare
  • Cpt Raymundo Delgado
  • S/Sgt Allen C. Dinger
  • 1st Lt Bobbie A. Goodwin
  • S/Sgt Shields T. Henson
  • S/Sgt George W. Higgins
  • S/Sgt Fred S. Kirby Jr.
  • Cpt Fred O. Rudat
  • Cpt Melvin P. Winters

Official Findings

The probable cause of the accident, as determined by official findings, was that the aircraft was shot down by a Soviet fighter.

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