Startling news 1953 defections by South Korean pilots—wondering about the planes and lack of news

[28ZComeback]

I was chatting with an US Army Aviation pilot from the Korean War and he mentioned that at least four South Korean pilots defected to the North in 1952-1953 in L-19’s.  In reviewing the history of the South Korean Air Force, these were not the only defections during the war. One F-51 was flown to North Korea. It is rational to believe that any such plane would be destroyed within hours by either the North Korean AAA or United Nations air attacks. Still my friend told me that it was believed the North Koreans used the L-19s for liaison work.  Does anyone know if such accounts are supported by operational histories or action reports, photos, or first hand accounts?  Wondering if the North Koreans used the F-51 for any purpose if it survived. Thank you and best wishes for the new year.

[Robert]

There is an L-19 listed here http://www.aviationmuseum.eu/Blogvorm/victorius-fatherland-liberation-war-museum/ but as a wreck

 

Robert

[Des]

Information on one L-19 defection here - http://www.aeroflight.co.uk/user/fleet/north-korea-af-cessna-l-19-bird-dog.htm

[28ZComeback]

Good information and I appreciate your research!  Thank you both. 

[Paul J]

Weird. Heard of defectors going South but the other way .....

and reading post 3 link was it worth it going North to be assasinated.?