On July 4, 1952, a Boeing B-29 Superfortress (registration 44-61727) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Sinanju, North Korea in flight. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Shot down by the pilot of a Soviet MiG-15. 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.
While cruising at 7,200 meters, a heavy bomber was attacked by a Soviet MiG-15 pilot. The aircraft dove out of control, partially disintegrated, and lost its four engines before crashing. Two crew members were killed, and 11 others were injured and taken prisoner.
Incident
A heavy bomber cruising at an altitude of 7,200 meters was attacked by the pilot of a Soviet Air Force MiG-15. Following the attack, the airplane went out of control and entered a dive toward the ground. During the dive, the aircraft partially disintegrated in the air and lost all four of its engines before crashing in a field.
Casualties
Two crew members were killed in the incident: Airman First Class Richard L. Albright and Airman First Class Clifford H. Mast. Eleven other crew members were injured and subsequently taken as prisoners of war.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause of the incident, as determined by the investigating authority, is that the aircraft was shot down by the pilot of a Soviet MiG-15.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 4 Jul 1952 Boeing B-29 Superfortress accident near Sinanju, North Korea?
While cruising at 7,200 meters, a heavy bomber was attacked by a Soviet MiG-15 pilot. The aircraft dove out of control, partially disintegrated, and lost its four engines before crashing. Two crew members were killed, and 11 others were injured and taken prisoner.
Were there any fatalities in the 4 Jul 1952 Boeing B-29 Superfortress accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 4 Jul 1952 involved a Boeing B-29 Superfortress, registration 44-61727, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Sinanju, North Korea.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Shot down by the pilot of a Soviet MiG-15.