4 fatalities

Night Intruder Mission Ends in Crash Landing at Daegu (44-62108)

Daegu, South KoreaLanding (descent or approach)

On April 10, 1951, a Boeing B-29 Superfortress (registration 44-62108) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Daegu, South Korea during landing or approach. 4 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Double engine failure after being damaged 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

During a night intruder mission over Sinanju, North Korea, an aircraft hit by enemy fire returned to Daegu Airport but crashed on landing, killing four and injuring eight.

Incident

While performing a night intruder mission over the Sinanju area of North Korea, the aircraft was struck by enemy fire. The crew managed to evacuate the target area despite the damage and returned to Daegu Airport. However, the aircraft had sustained damage, with two engines becoming inoperative. As a result, the airplane crashed during landing and came to rest in flames. The aircraft was destroyed.

Crew and Casualties

The crew of the aircraft consisted of twelve personnel: Sgt Elberon G. Andrews, 2nd Lt Oscar Bayer, Cpl Gregory S. Carroll, 1st Lt Edgar A. Ehrlich, S/Sgt William Finnegan, Sgt Donald B. Gordon, S/Sgt Theron D. Hampton, 1st Lt Robert C. Lewis, 1st Lt Raymond Miller, Cpt Marshall F. Perry, Sgt Billie G. Thornburgh, and S/Sgt Otto C. Trackberger. Of these, four were killed and eight were injured in the accident.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined the probable cause to be double engine failure resulting from damage sustained by enemy fire.