Loss of TP-79 aircraft over the Baltic Sea

8 fatalities • Gotska Sandön Island, Sweden • Flight

A signals intelligence-gathering aircraft disappeared after being intercepted and shot down by a Soviet fighter jet near Gotska Sandön Island.

What happened

During a mission for the Swedish National Defense Radio Establishment, an aircraft engaged in signals intelligence operations was lost over the Baltic Sea. The flight was carrying a total of eight people, consisting of three crew members and five employees tasked with SIGINT collection. While traveling near Gotska Sandön Island, the TP-79 was intercepted and shot down by a Soviet MiG-15 fighter. Following the attack, the aircraft crashed into the sea, leaving no immediate trace of the wreckage or the eight fatalities.

For many years, the disappearance remained unresolved. However, during a 1956 diplomatic meeting between Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev and Swedish Prime Minister Tage Erlander, Soviet authorities officially acknowledged that a Soviet fighter had downed the plane. The debris from the accident was not located until June 18, 2003. Once discovered, the wreckage was recovered and subsequently moved to the Swedish Air Force Museum.

Probable cause

The aircraft was destroyed by fire from a Soviet MiG-15 fighter jet.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1952-06-13 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Gotska Sandön Island, Sweden?

A signals intelligence-gathering aircraft disappeared after being intercepted and shot down by a Soviet fighter jet near Gotska Sandön Island.

Were there any fatalities in the 1952-06-13 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 8 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1952-06-13 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration 79001, operated by Swedish Air Force - Flygvapnet, at Gotska Sandön Island, Sweden.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft was destroyed by fire from a Soviet MiG-15 fighter jet.

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