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Korean Airlines Flight 007 (view source)
Revision as of 08:08, October 1, 2008
, 08:08, October 1, 2008→"I knew this was a civilian plane"
At 18:26 GMT two air-to-air missiles from an [[Sukhoi Su-15|Su-15 Flagon]] piloted by Major Gennadi Osipovich were fired at the jumbo jet<ref>See [http://www.rescue007.org/shootdown.htm Rescue 007:The Shootdown] for the combined U.S. electronic intercept and Soviet military communications of the actual shoot-down with photos of key personnel.</ref>, causing it to spiral down from 35,000 feet and after a 12 minute descent crash into the sea near Moneron Island.
At 18:26 GMT two air-to-air missiles from an [[Sukhoi Su-15|Su-15 Flagon]] piloted by Major Gennadi Osipovich were fired at the jumbo jet<ref>See [http://www.rescue007.org/shootdown.htm Rescue 007:The Shootdown] for the combined U.S. electronic intercept and Soviet military communications of the actual shoot-down with photos of key personnel.</ref>, causing it to spiral down from 35,000 feet and after a 12 minute descent crash into the sea near Moneron Island.
==The Osipovich–Air Controller KAL 007 Identity miscommunication==
In his September 9, 1996 interview Osipovich stated that he knew that it was a civilian Boeing from the double rows of windows. He told ground controllers that there were blinking lights, which he believed should have alerted them to the fact that the plane was a transport. But he did not tell them that the aircraft was specifically a Boeing 747. Also clear, is that KAL 007's blinking navigational lights were also not communicated upward:
"From the flashing lights and the configuration of the windows, he recognized the aircraft as a civilian type of plane, he said. 'I saw two rows of windows and knew that this was a Boeing,' he said. 'I knew this was a civilian plane. But for me this meant nothing. It is easy to turn a civilian type of plane into one for military use.'... Osipovich also revealed that in the pressure of the moment, he did not provide a full description of the intruder to Soviet ground controllers. 'I did not tell the ground that it was a Boeing-type plane,' he recalled. 'They did not ask me.' He did, however, tell Soviet ground controllers that the plane had blinking lights on, which he says was an indication that it could be a transport plane."
That the omission of the identity of KAL 007 as a Boeing by Osipovich is confirmed by ground personnel to the Combat controller, Lt. Col. Titovnin:
'''Titovnin:''' The commander has given orders that if the border is violated—destroy [the target].
'''Lt. Col. Maistrenko:''' ...May [be] a passenger [aircraft]. All necessary steps must be taken to identify it.
'''Titovnin:''' Identification measures are being taken, but the pilot cannot see. It’s dark. Even now it’s still dark.
'''Maistrenko:''' Well, okay. The task is correct. If there are no lights—it cannot be a passenger [aircraft].
It is clear that attack was made on the intruder plane not because it was considered a continuing threat, but because it would soon escape into neutral waters.
'''Kornukov:''' Oh, [obscenities] how long does it take him [Maj. Osipovich in his Su-15] to get into attack position. He is already getting out into neutral waters. Engage afterburner immediately.Bring in the MiG 23 as well...While you are wasting time, it will fly right out.
===U.S. Electronic Intercept of Shootdown in Progress===
===U.S. Electronic Intercept of Shootdown in Progress===