Loss of aircraft during mission over Yalu River

9 fatalities • Sinuiju, North Korea • Flight

An aircraft was destroyed by enemy fighters while conducting a strike mission near the North Korean-Chinese border, resulting in nine fatalities.

What happened

During an aerial attack targeting a bridge crossing the Yalu River between Sinuiju and Andong, North Korea, the aircraft came under heavy fire from approximately 15 to 20 MiG-15 fighters. The engagement resulted in two of the aircraft's engines catching fire, leading to a total loss of flight control. The plane subsequently crashed into a mountainous area situated south of Sinuiju.

Of the eleven people on board, two crew members successfully exited the aircraft via parachute and were later recovered. However, the crash resulted in 9 fatalities among the remaining occupants.

Findings

Investigation of the event determined that the primary reason for the loss of the aircraft was that it was shot down by enemy fighters during its combat mission.

Probable cause

The aircraft was destroyed by enemy fighter interception during a strike mission.

Frequently asked questions

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

An aircraft was destroyed by enemy fighters while conducting a strike mission near the North Korean-Chinese border, resulting in nine fatalities.

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

The accident was fatal, resulting in 9 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1951-04-12 involved a Boeing B-29 Superfortress, registration 44-69682, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Sinuiju, North Korea.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft was destroyed by enemy fighter interception during a strike mission.

Loading the flight search…