Gimpo Airport crash involving B-29 Superfortress

No fatalities • Seoul-Gimpo, South Korea • Landing (descent or approach)

A heavy bomber sustained damage from enemy fighter fire during a bombing mission before crashing upon landing at Gimpo Airport.

What happened

During an active bombing mission, a B-29 Superfortress was targeted and struck by fire from a Soviet MiG-15 interceptor. Despite the damage sustained from enemy combat, the flight crew managed to navigate the aircraft back to Seoul.

As the aircraft approached Gimpo Airport for landing, the plane became uncontrollable during the touchdown phase. The subsequent crash resulted in the total destruction of the airframe. While the accident was severe, there were no fatalities among the crew; all 11 occupants sustained injuries during the impact.

Findings

  • The aircraft had been previously damaged by anti-aircraft fire from a MiG-15 during its combat mission.

Probable cause

The aircraft lost control during the landing roll at Gimpo Airport following a combat mission.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1951-10-27 Boeing B-29 Superfortress accident near Seoul-Gimpo, South Korea?

A heavy bomber sustained damage from enemy fighter fire during a bombing mission before crashing upon landing at Gimpo Airport.

Were there any fatalities in the 1951-10-27 Boeing B-29 Superfortress accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1951-10-27 involved a Boeing B-29 Superfortress, registration 44-62071, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Seoul-Gimpo, South Korea.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft lost control during the landing roll at Gimpo Airport following a combat mission.

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