Incident Overview
An aircraft operating over the Korean War front was apparently attacked by the pilot of a MiG-15 fighter. Following the attack, two engines became inoperative. The pilot evacuated the combat area and attempted to return to Kadena Air Force Base in Okinawa.
Loss of Control and Crash
While overflying the East China Sea, the aircraft went out of control and subsequently crashed into the sea. Despite search efforts, no trace of the aircraft or its 12 crew members was ever found.
Crew Members
The crew consisted of the following individuals:
- Cpl Leland L. Buttler
- Cpl Robert P. Domaleski
- 1st Lt Charles W. Harris
- Cpl Keith J. Harview
- Sgt Theodore J. Hoffman
- 1st Lt Ray F. Jardine
- Col Payne Jennings Jr.
- Cpl Deloraine M. Kingsbury
- 2nd Lt Kenneth L. Nosk
- S/Sgt Thomas W. Ritter
- 1st Lt Leonard P. Vogt
- S/Sgt Merle E. White
Official Findings
The probable cause, as stated in the official investigation, was double engine failure after being shot down by an enemy fighter.