No fatalities

Cargo Aircraft Crash at Celle Air Base During Berlin Airlift (44-9062)

Celle AFB, GermanyLanding (descent or approach)

On February 15, 1949, a Douglas C-54 Skymaster (registration 44-9062) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Celle AFB, Germany during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was attributed to an engine failure that occurred during the final approach phase. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-08-05Data APIEditorial standards

A cargo plane suffered an engine failure on final approach to Celle Air Base, crashing in flames. All three crew members were rescued from the destroyed aircraft.

What happened

The incident occurred during a cargo operation flying from Berlin to Celle Air Force Base. The flight was part of the larger logistical effort known as the Berlin Airlift. While on final approach for landing, the aircraft experienced a critical mechanical issue that led to an immediate loss of power.

Following the engine failure, the plane entered a stall and subsequently crashed into the ground. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the airframe, which was consumed by fire. Despite the severity of the crash and the resulting flames, all three members of the flight crew were successfully rescued. There were no fatalities reported in this event.

Probable cause

The accident was attributed to an engine failure that occurred during the final approach phase.