What happened
During a reconnaissance flight over the Yalu River near the border of China and Korea, a B-29 Superfortress was intercepted and engaged by two Soviet MiG-15 fighters. The engagement resulted in significant damage to the aircraft, specifically causing the failure of both engines on the left side of the plane. Despite the loss of power to these engines, the crew was able to navigate the damaged bomber back toward Johnson Air Force Base (Iruma AFB).
As the aircraft prepared for a crash landing during its final approach, the nose of the plane abruptly pitched downward into the ground. The impact caused the airframe to break into two sections, with the wings collapsing onto the forward portion of the fuselage. This structural failure resulted in all but one occupant of the cockpit losing their lives.
Findings
- The aircraft suffered heavy damage from cannon fire during an aerial interception.
- The sudden nose dive during the final approach led to the fatal impact.
- The wreckage split upon contact with the ground, causing the wings to crush the cockpit area.