On 12 July the Soviets launched Operation Kutuzov, their counter-offensive upon the Oryol salient, which threatened the flank and rear of the 9th Army. In support of German forces near Novosil and Mtsensk, I. "Gruppe" claimed ten victories, including an Il-2 ground attack aircraft by Scheel. The next day, Scheel became an "ace-in-a-day" for the fourth and last time during his combat career. All day, the "Gruppe" flew missions over the Oryol salient, claiming 32 aerial victories. This figure includes Scheel's aerial victories numbering 62 to 67, including three Yakovlev Yak-9 fighters in just two minutes. On 14 July, the Soviet attacks on the 2nd Panzer Army forced the 9th Army to strengthen its defenses, effectively making Operation Citadel a failure on the northern sector. Rainy weather impacted air operations on both sides, nevertheless I. "Gruppe" claimed eight aircraft shot down, including an Il-2 shot down by Scheel northwest of Bolkhov. The next day, weather conditions deteriorated further, significantly limiting air operations and no victories were claimed by I. "Gruppe".