Yevgenii P. Dranishev's fate on 20Aug43?
 

On 20Aug43 9 GIAP was escorting Il-2's with their Airacobra's for the first time. St. Lt. Yevgenii Petrovich Dranishchev (21v & 7 group ace. also HSU) had engine trouble. He was sent back with his wingman, Lt. Nikolai Kostyrko. They never returned to base and were listed MIA. Has what happen to them been determined?
Thanks,
Michael

Re: Yevgenii P. Dranishev's fate on 20Aug43?
 

Dranishchev's final score is 19 personal air victories (without shared at all). His fate is unclear yet, but in some sources he listed as 'killed in air accident because of bad weather conditions'. Details not available. Kostyrko's total is 10 personal kills. He listed MIA on 20.08.1943.

Re: Yevgenii P. Dranishev's fate on 20Aug43?
 

I was wondering if the the Two airacobra kills that Gunther Rall made on that day might have been these two pilots returning to base since it was a different grid then the rest of the unit involved in a dogfight. I guess that will be for someone in Russia to solve. I did know about Kostyrko's score and thanks for giving a better score for Dranishchev.
Thanks again,
Michael