What happened
During a maritime patrol mission conducted over the Sea of Japan, a four-engine aircraft was targeted and struck by two MiG-17 fighters belonging to the North Korean Air Force. Following the engagement, the aircraft lost control and entered a steep dive. The plane subsequently impacted the ocean surface approximately 145 km away from the city of Chongjin.
Search efforts recovered minimal debris and two bodies floating on the water's surface. There were 31 fatalities in total, as none of the crew members on board survived the impact.
Findings
The investigation concluded that the aircraft was shot down by two North Korean Air Force MiG-17 fighters while operating at cruising altitude.