9 fatalities

Bomber Shot Down Over Pyongyang, Four Survive, Nine Killed (44-86371)

Pyongyang, North KoreaFlight

On May 7, 1951, a Boeing B-29 Superfortress (registration 44-86371) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Pyongyang, North Korea in flight. 9 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Shot down by enemy fire. 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

A bomber on a mission over Pyongyang was hit by antiaircraft fire, causing two engines to catch fire. Four crew members bailed out and became prisoners of war; nine others were killed in the crash.

Incident

A bomber engaged in a bombing mission over Pyongyang was struck by antiaircraft fire. Engines number three and four were hit and subsequently caught fire. Four crew members were able to bail out of the aircraft before it dove into the ground and crashed. The nine other occupants were killed in the accident. The four survivors were taken as prisoners of war.

Crew

The following crew members were listed: 1st Lt Junior M. Adler, Cpl Raymond R. Bacon, Lt Col Vance E. Black, Cpt Dewey L. Chapman, T/Sgt Frank J. Chesnowsky, 1st Lt John S. Collins, S/Sgt Lee E. Erickson, 2nd Lt Richard E. Hawes, S/Sgt Richard M. Jones, Cpt William C. McTaggart Jr., Sgt John A. Rice, S/Sgt Ellsworth E. Smith, and Sgt Edward J. Stoll. Those whose names are marked with a dagger (†) were among the deceased.

Probable cause

Shot down by enemy fire.