Incident Overview

Date: Wednesday 19 June 1963
Aircraft Type: Lockheed RB-69A Neptune
Owner/operator: Republic of China Air Force – ROCAF
Registration Number: 54-4041
Location: Linchuan, Jiangxi – ÿ China
Phase of Flight: En route
Status: Destroyed, written off
Casualties: Fatalities: 14 / Occupants: 14
Component Affected: NeptunesNeptunes
On July 19, 1954, the US CIA acquired seven Neptunes in Taiwan. These Neptunes were used by the Republic of China Air Force to conduct intrusion ELINT missions over mainland China. The aircraft were dropped and supplied with agents, and propaganda leaflets were dropped. Missions were typically flown at night. The PLAAF, using MiG-17 fighters, intercepted the Neptunes, and the PLAAF MiG-17PFs and Tupolev Tu-4Ps were used to engage the Neptunes. The Neptune was shot down by a PLAAF MiG-17PF over Linchuan, Jiangxi.On July 19, 1954, the US CIA acquired seven Neptunes in Taiwan. These Neptunes were used by the Republic of China Air Force to conduct intrusion ELINT missions over mainland China. The aircraft were dropped and supplied with agents, and propaganda leaflets were dropped. Missions were typically flown at night. The PLAAF, using MiG-17 fighters, intercepted the Neptunes, and the PLAAF MiG-17PFs and Tupolev Tu-4Ps were used to engage the Neptunes. The Neptune was shot down by a PLAAF MiG-17PF over Linchuan, Jiangxi.

Description

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.

Source of Information

https://www.cia.gov/library/center-for-the-study-of-intelligence/csi-publications/csi-studies/studies/vol-57-no-2/pdfs/Bergin-Overflights.pdfhttps://www.cia.gov/library/center-for-the-study-of-intelligence/csi-publications/csi-studies/studies/vol-57-no-2/pdfs/Bergin-Overflights.pdf

Primary Cause

Interception of intruders by the PLAAF using MiG-17 fighters and Tu-4Ps.Interception of intruders by the PLAAF using MiG-17 fighters and Tu-4Ps.

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