Loss of aircraft during mission over Yalu River

12 fatalities • Ryongampo, North Korea • Flight

An aircraft was destroyed by enemy fire while conducting a strike mission near the North Korean-Chinese border, resulting in no survivors.

What happened

During a mission targeting a bridge crossing the Yalu River between Sinuiju and Andong, North Korea, the aircraft was intercepted and engaged by a Soviet MiG-15. During the combat encounter, the aircraft's first engine ignited. Following the fire, the plane descended into the sea near Ryongampo.

Search efforts located minimal wreckage along the coastline; however, the mission resulted in 12 fatalities, as no members of the crew were recovered from the site.

Findings

Investigation of the event concluded that the primary reason for the loss of the aircraft was that it was shot down by a Soviet fighter during its attack run on the bridge infrastructure.

Probable cause

The aircraft was destroyed by enemy fire from a Soviet MiG-15.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1951-04-12 Boeing B-29 Superfortress accident near Ryongampo, North Korea?

An aircraft was destroyed by enemy fire while conducting a strike mission near the North Korean-Chinese border, resulting in no survivors.

Were there any fatalities in the 1951-04-12 Boeing B-29 Superfortress accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 12 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1951-04-12 involved a Boeing B-29 Superfortress, registration 44-86370, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Ryongampo, North Korea.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft was destroyed by enemy fire from a Soviet MiG-15.

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