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3 fatalities

In-flight explosion leads to fatal crash during Korean War mission (44-34297)

North Korea, North KoreaFlight

On February 21, 1951, a Douglas A-26 Invader (registration 44-34297) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near North Korea, North Korea in flight. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accidental detonation of an explosive device during a bombing run caused the aircraft to dive into the ground. 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 2026-06-14Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed during a combat mission over the Korean War front following an accidental mid-air detonation of a bomb.

What happened

During a combat mission directed toward the Korean War front, an onboard explosive device detonated prematurely while the aircraft was still in flight. The force of this unplanned explosion caused the aircraft to lose control and descend rapidly into the terrain. The impact with the ground resulted in a total loss of the airframe.

Findings

  • The accident occurred during the mission phase involving active ordnance delivery.
  • The crash resulted in three fatalities, leaving no survivors among the crew members.
  • The primary factor in the loss of the aircraft was the premature detonation of a bomb while in flight.

Probable cause

The accidental detonation of an explosive device during a bombing run caused the aircraft to dive into the ground.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Feb 1951 Douglas A-26 Invader accident near North Korea, North Korea?

An aircraft crashed during a combat mission over the Korean War front following an accidental mid-air detonation of a bomb.

Were there any fatalities in the 21 Feb 1951 Douglas A-26 Invader accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Feb 1951 involved a Douglas A-26 Invader, registration 44-34297, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at North Korea, North Korea.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accidental detonation of an explosive device during a bombing run caused the aircraft to dive into the ground.

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