3 fatalities

Loss of aircraft following engagement with enemy fire (44-34698)

North Korea, North KoreaFlight

On August 8, 1952, a Douglas A-26 Invader (registration 44-34698) 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 aircraft was destroyed after being struck by hostile ground or air fire. 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)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

An unidentified aircraft disappeared after being struck by enemy fire during its final flight phase, leaving no trace of the airframe or crew.

What happened

During the final moments of the mission, the aircraft was engaged by hostile forces. The last communication from the flight was recorded at 2130 local time, immediately following an impact from enemy fire. Following this engagement, the aircraft crashed, and subsequent search efforts were unable to locate any wreckage or debris.

No evidence regarding the condition of the airframe or the remains of the crew was recovered from the site. The mission ended with the total loss of the aircraft and all personnel on board, totaling 3 fatalities.

Findings

Official investigations concluded that the primary reason for the disappearance was that the aircraft was shot down by enemy fire during its descent.

Probable cause

The aircraft was destroyed after being struck by hostile ground or air fire.