B-29 Superfortress loss near Ch'o-do Island

12 fatalities • Ch'o-do Island, North Korea • Flight

A heavy bomber was intercepted and shot down by Soviet MiG-15 fighters while returning to Kadena Air Base following a mission over North Korea.

What happened

During a return flight to Kadena Air Base following a bombing sortie over North Korea, a B-29 Superfortress was intercepted by several Soviet MiG-15 fighters. The engagement resulted in the aircraft losing control and entering a steep dive. During the descent, two crew members successfully exited the aircraft via parachute. The plane subsequently impacted the ocean approximately eight kilometers north of Ch'o-do Island.

Of the fourteen personnel on board, twelve fatalities were recorded. Two crew members survived the incident and were later recovered.

Findings

An investigation into the loss determined that the aircraft was shot down by Soviet fighters during the aerial interception.

Probable cause

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

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1952-11-19 Boeing B-29 Superfortress accident near Ch'o-do Island, North Korea?

A heavy bomber was intercepted and shot down by Soviet MiG-15 fighters while returning to Kadena Air Base following a mission over North Korea.

Were there any fatalities in the 1952-11-19 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 1952-11-19 involved a Boeing B-29 Superfortress, registration 44-86392, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Ch'o-do Island, North Korea.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

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

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