1 fatality

B-29 Hit by MiG-15 Fire Over Anju Marshaling Yard, Crashes After Crew Evacuation (44-61802)

Chinnampo, North KoreaFlight

On January 10, 1953, a Boeing B-29 Superfortress (registration 44-61802) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Chinnampo, North Korea in flight. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Shot down by MiG-15 fighter. 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 B-29 bomber on a mission over the Anju Marshaling Yard was struck by enemy fire from MiG-15s, leading to an engine fire and loss of altitude. Most of the crew bailed out, but the aircraft hit a mountain and exploded.

Incident

A B-29 aircraft was engaged in a bombing mission targeting the Anju Marshaling Yard. During the attack, immediately before releasing its bombs, the aircraft was hit by enemy fire from MiG-15 fighters. After successfully dropping its bombs, the B-29 continued to be under attack and began losing altitude. As the aircraft crossed the Taedong River near Chinnampo, the aircraft commander reported that the number three engine was on fire.

Evacuation and Crash

Twelve of the thirteen crew members bailed out of the burning B-29. The aircraft then flew in the direction of friendly lines, followed by USAF fighter jets. Despite this, the B-29 continued to descend until it struck the side of a mountain and exploded upon impact.

Casualties

Captain Arthur Heise, a member of the crew, was killed in the incident.

Investigation

Official findings determined that the aircraft was shot down by a MiG-15 fighter.

Probable cause

Shot down by MiG-15 fighter.