Event Sequence
During the takeoff roll, the rpm on engine number one fluctuated. The pilot-in-command continued the takeoff procedure. After rotation, during the initial climb, he shut down the engine and feathered the propeller. The crew informed air traffic control about their situation and elected to return to Gatow Airport.
Emergency Landing and Crash
While returning to Gatow, engine number one caught fire. The situation worsened rapidly. The captain eventually decided to attempt an emergency landing in a field located north of Potsdam. The aircraft crashed during this landing attempt. One crew member was killed, and two others were injured.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause of the accident is a fire on engine number one.