Overview
On September 1, 1983, KAL 007 was shot down by a Soviet Su-15 interceptor after it strayed into Soviet prohibited airspace. All 269 passengers and crew, including U.S. Congressman Larry McDonald, were killed.
Conspiracy Theories
- Spy Mission: Theories persist that the flight was being used by the U.S. for intelligence gathering to test Soviet radar responses.
- The McDonald Assassination: Some believe the plane was targeted specifically to eliminate Congressman McDonald, an outspoken anti-Communist leader.
Outcome
The Soviet Union initially denied knowledge but later admitted to the shootdown, claiming the aircraft appeared to be a U.S. RC-135 spy plane. President Reagan condemned the act as a "crime against humanity."