13 fatalities

Heavy Bomber Explodes and Crashes After Engine Fire, Killing All 13 Crew Members (44-62166)

Ocho-o, South KoreaFlight

On July 22, 1952, a Boeing B-29 Superfortress (registration 44-62166) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Ocho-o, South Korea in flight. 13 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine 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

A heavy bomber experienced an engine fire en route, leading to an in-flight explosion and crash. All 13 crew members were killed.

Incident Overview

A heavy bomber suffered an engine fire during flight. Shortly after the fire started, the aircraft exploded in mid-air and subsequently crashed. The accident resulted in the deaths of all 13 crew members aboard.

Crew Members

The crew members who lost their lives were: 1st Lt Forrest B. Angstman, Cpt Leroy E. Aschenbrenner, Cpt Osbaldo Garza, T/Sgt Leroy A. Haney, A2c Lloyd W. Ingrim, A2c Michael L. Jacobs, Cpt David Meredith, A2c David E. Miles, Cpt Paul C. Ross, A2c Clifton E. Scites, A2c Charles O. Spain, T/Sgt Keith D. Thomas, and A2c Manuel J. Yduarte Jr.

Investigation and Cause

Official findings determined the probable cause of the accident to be an engine fire.