3 fatalities

Night Intruder Reconnaissance Aircraft Loss Near Ichon (44-35388)

Ichon, North KoreaFlight

On September 2, 1951, a Douglas A-26 Invader (registration 44-35388) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Ichon, North Korea in flight. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Shot down by enemy 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

A twin-engine aircraft conducting a night intruder reconnaissance mission was shot down by antiaircraft fire near Ichon. Search and rescue efforts were unsuccessful, resulting in the loss of three crew members.

Incident Overview

During a night operation, a twin-engine aircraft engaged in an intruder reconnaissance mission encountered hostile action. The aircraft was struck by antiaircraft fire, leading to its destruction and crash in the vicinity of Ichon.

Search and Rescue Operations

Following the loss of the aircraft, search and rescue (SAR) teams initiated efforts to locate survivors or wreckage. However, these operations yielded negative results, meaning no personnel were recovered from the site.

Personnel Involved

The crew assigned to this mission consisted of three military officers:

  • T/Sgt Bernard L. McManaman
  • 1st Lt Ernest C. Oliphant
  • 1st Lt William E. Roy

Official Determination

The investigation concluded that the primary factor leading to the accident was the aircraft being shot down by enemy fire.

Probable cause

Shot down by enemy fire