4 fatalities

Night Bombing Mission Ends in Shootdown Over North Korea (44-35974)

Pyongyang-Mirim, North Korea

On April 27, 1951, a Douglas A-26 Invader (registration 44-35974) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Pyongyang-Mirim, North Korea. 4 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

An aircraft on a night bombing mission from Daegu Airport to Pyongyang-Mirim Airport was shot down by antiaircraft fire, killing all four crew members.

Incident

On April 26, at 1920 local time, an aircraft departed Daegu Airport on a bombing mission targeting Pyongyang-Mirim Airport in North Korea. While approaching the target area under the cover of night, the aircraft was struck by antiaircraft fire and subsequently crashed. All four crew members onboard perished in the crash.

Crew

The deceased crew members were identified as Captain Arthur Myles Austin, First Lieutenant Martin F. Howell Jr., Master Sergeant John W. Lausberg Jr., and Captain Ralph F. Yarosh.

Investigation

Official findings determined the probable cause of the accident to be that the aircraft was shot down by enemy fire.