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13 fatalities

13 Crew Members Killed in Aircraft Crash on Final Approach to Pohang Airport (44-69818)

Pohang, South KoreaLanding (descent or approach)

On July 7, 1953, a Boeing B-29 Superfortress (registration 44-69818) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Pohang, South Korea during landing or approach. 13 people were killed. 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)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft returning from a tactical mission crashed on final approach to Pohang Airport, killing all 13 crew members. Poor weather and low fuel were reported at the time of the accident.

Accident

An aircraft crashed while on final approach to Pohang Airport during a return from a tactical mission. All 13 crew members on board were killed. According to reports, the crew encountered poor weather conditions at the recovery airfield, and the aircraft was low on fuel at the time of the accident.

Crew

The following crew members were aboard the aircraft:

  • A2c Donald L. Abney
  • Lt Col Edward E. Campbell
  • A1c Earl A. Davis
  • A2c John G. De Lancy
  • A2c Edward J. Fleming
  • 1st Lt Ralph L. Harris
  • A1c Percy J. Maples
  • Cpt Charles F. McGuire
  • 1st Lt Robert L. Person
  • A1c James C. Thomas
  • 1st Lt Clayton W. Vandarwarka
  • Walker (first name not provided)
  • A2c Kenneth E. Wright

All listed individuals were assigned to the aircraft at the time of the accident.

Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 7 Jul 1953 Boeing B-29 Superfortress accident near Pohang, South Korea?

An aircraft returning from a tactical mission crashed on final approach to Pohang Airport, killing all 13 crew members. Poor weather and low fuel were reported at the time of the accident.

Were there any fatalities in the 7 Jul 1953 Boeing B-29 Superfortress accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 13 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 7 Jul 1953 involved a Boeing B-29 Superfortress, registration 44-69818, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Pohang, South Korea.

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