No fatalities

Soviet MiG-15 Shoots Down Swedish Catalina Over Baltic Sea (47002)

Baltic Sea, WorldFlight

On June 16, 1952, a Consolidated PBY Catalina (registration 47002) operated by Swedish Air Force - Flygvapnet was involved in an aviation accident near Baltic Sea, World in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Shot down by the pilot of a Soviet MiG-15. 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)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

While searching for a missing Swedish Air Force TP-79, a Catalina was shot down by a Soviet MiG-15. The pilot performed an emergency landing, and all five crew members were rescued by the German merchant ship Münsterland.

Background

Three days prior to the incident, a Swedish Air Force TP-79 had disappeared into the Baltic Sea. A reconnaissance mission was launched to locate the missing aircraft.

Incident

During the mission, the Catalina was shot down by the pilot of a Soviet MiG-15. The pilot-in-command was able to execute an emergency landing, bringing the aircraft down onto the water.

Rescue

All five crew members aboard the Catalina were rescued by the crew of the German merchant ship Münsterland. The airplane itself was lost.

Probable Cause

Official findings state the incident was caused by the aircraft being shot down by the pilot of a Soviet MiG-15.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Jun 1952 Consolidated PBY Catalina accident near Baltic Sea, World?

While searching for a missing Swedish Air Force TP-79, a Catalina was shot down by a Soviet MiG-15. The pilot performed an emergency landing, and all five crew members were rescued by the German merchant ship Münsterland.

Were there any fatalities in the 16 Jun 1952 Consolidated PBY Catalina accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Jun 1952 involved a Consolidated PBY Catalina, registration 47002, operated by Swedish Air Force - Flygvapnet, at Baltic Sea, World.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Shot down by the pilot of a Soviet MiG-15