1950-04-08: Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer (59645) — United States Navy - USN — Liepaja, Latvia

10 fatalitiesLiepaja, LatviaFlight

A surveillance mission flying from Germany was intercepted and destroyed by Soviet fighters, resulting in the loss of all crew members.

What happened

A flight departing from Wiesbaden Airport in Germany was conducting an electronic intelligence mission intended to track Soviet submarine activity within the Baltic Sea. During its transit across the sea, the aircraft was engaged by four Lavochkin La-11 fighters belonging to the Soviet Air Force. Following the interception, the plane lost control and descended into the water approximately 16 km from Liepaja, Latvia.

Findings

The incident resulted in 10 fatalities, as there were no survivors among the crew. The investigation concluded that the aircraft was shot down by four Soviet Air Force pilots during its mission over the Baltic Sea.

Probable cause

The aircraft was destroyed by a coordinated attack from four Soviet La-11 fighter jets.