Incident
While conducting a maritime patrol flight over the Japan Sea, the aircraft was intercepted and shot down by several Soviet Lavochkin La-11 fighters. The aircraft subsequently crashed into the sea. All 10 crew members on board were killed.
Disputed Location
According to United States authorities, the aircraft was flying over international waters at the time it was shot down. In contrast, Soviet authorities reported that the aircraft was flying illegally over Vladivostok and was shot down, crashing approximately 30 kilometers off the city. The exact location remains a point of contention between the two countries.
Official Finding
The probable cause of the accident, as determined by the investigation, was that the aircraft was shot down by Soviet Lavochkin La-11 fighters.