ASN Aircraft accident Lockheed RB-69A Neptune 54-4041 Linchuan, Jiangxi
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Status:
Date:Wednesday 19 June 1963
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: 54-4041
MSN: 726-7105
First flight:
Crew:Fatalities: 14 / Occupants: 14
Passengers:Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 0
Total:Fatalities: 14 / Occupants: 14
Aircraft damage: Damaged beyond repair
Location:Linchuan, Jiangxi (   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 was shot down by a PLAAF MiG-17PF over Linchuan, Jiangxi, after being intercepted repeatedly by multiple MiG-17PFs and Tupolev Tu-4Ps.

Sources:
» ACIG.org
» The Growth of China’s Air Defenses: Responding to Covert Overflights, 1949–1974 / Bob Bergin


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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.
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Lockheed P-2

  • 1036 built
  • 101st loss
  • 59th fatal accident
  • The worst accident
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 China
  • 25th worst accident (at the time)
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