What happened
During a mission to conduct maritime surveillance across the Japan Sea, an unidentified aircraft was targeted and struck by multiple Soviet Lavochkin La-11 fighters. The engagement occurred while the aircraft was operating within international airspace, according to reports from United States authorities. However, Soviet officials provided a conflicting account, claiming the aircraft had entered prohibited airspace over Vladivostok without authorization.
Following the aerial interception, the plane descended into the ocean. The impact with the sea resulted in the deaths of all 10 crew members on board. The wreckage was located approximately 30 km from the coast of Vladivostok.
Findings
Investigations into the incident concluded that the aircraft's destruction was the direct result of being shot down by Soviet Lavochkin La-11 fighters during its patrol flight.