ASN Aircraft accident Lockheed RB-69A Neptune 54-4038 Korea Bay
ASN logo
 

Status:
Date:Monday 8 January 1962
Type:Silhouette image of generic P2 model; specific model in this crash may look slightly different
Lockheed RB-69A Neptune
Operator:Republic of China Air Force - ROCAF
Registration: 54-4038
MSN: 726-7097
First flight:
Crew:Fatalities: 14 / Occupants: 14
Passengers:Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 0
Total:Fatalities: 14 / Occupants: 14
Aircraft damage: Damaged beyond repair
Location:Korea Bay (   China)
Phase: En route (ENR)
Nature:Military
Departure airport:?
Destination airport:?
Narrative:
The US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) acquired seven Neptunes in 1954 and configured them with cameras and electronics intelligence gear. Five of those were stationed in Taiwan and operated by the Republic of China Air Force.
They were reportedly used to conduct intrusion ELINT missions over mainland China, dropping and supplying agents, and dropping propaganda leaflets. Missions were usually flown at night.
Aircraft used by the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) to intercept the intruders were MiG-17 fighters. Ilyushin 28/Harbin H-5 jets were used to drop flares and used search lights to illuminate the Neptunes for the MiG-17s. Additionally, Tupolev Tu-4 aircraft were fitted with radar.
This Neptune crashed into the Korea Bay while conducting an ELINT and leaflet dropping mission.

Sources:
» The Growth of China’s Air Defenses: Responding to Covert Overflights, 1949–1974 / Bob Bergin
» USAAS-USAAC-USAAF-USAF Aircraft Serial Numbers--1908 to Present / Joe Baugher
» Intrusions, Overflights, Shootdowns and Defections During the Cold War and Thereafter


Photos

Add your photo of this accident or aircraft
This information is not presented as the Flight Safety Foundation or the Aviation Safety Network’s opinion as to the cause of the accident. It is preliminary and is based on the facts as they are known at this time.
languages: languages

Share

Lockheed P-2

  • 1036 built
  • 90th loss
  • 51st fatal accident
  • The worst accident
» safety profile

 China
  • 24th worst accident (at the time)
  • 49th worst accident (currently)
» safety profile

The Aviation Safety Network is an exclusive service provided by:
Quick Links:

CONNECT WITH US: FSF on social media FSF Facebook FSF Twitter FSF Youtube FSF LinkedIn FSF Instagram

©2024 Flight Safety Foundation

1920 Ballenger Av, 4th Fl.
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
www.FlightSafety.org