Disappearance of night mission aircraft during combat operations

9 fatalities • North Korea, North Korea • Flight

An aircraft vanished during a nighttime intrusion mission, resulting in nine fatalities and one crew member taken prisoner.

What happened

During a scheduled night intrusion mission, an aircraft disappeared under uncertain conditions. The final communication from the flight was recorded at 02:02 local time, after which the plane could no longer be tracked via radio.

Of the ten personnel on board, nine crew members are believed to have perished in the incident. One individual, a sergeant, survived the disappearance but was taken as a prisoner of war. This survivor was eventually returned to his home country on August 31, 1953.

Findings

Evidence suggests that the loss of the aircraft may have been caused by an explosion triggered by a grenade detonated by a double agent prior to the crew's attempt to bail out.

Probable cause

An internal explosion caused by a grenade detonation during the mission.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1952-02-19 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident near North Korea, North Korea?

An aircraft vanished during a nighttime intrusion mission, resulting in nine fatalities and one crew member taken prisoner.

Were there any fatalities in the 1952-02-19 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 9 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1952-02-19 involved a Curtiss C-46 Commando, registration 44-78038, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at North Korea, North Korea.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

An internal explosion caused by a grenade detonation during the mission.

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