No fatalities

Berlin Airlift Aircraft Overruns Runway at Tempelhof Airport (45-0514)

Berlin-Tempelhof, GermanyLanding (descent or approach)

On August 13, 1948, a Douglas C-54 Skymaster (registration 45-0514) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Berlin-Tempelhof, Germany during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft was unable to stop within the remaining runway distance after touchdown, leading to an overrun and subsequent collision. 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 aircraft involved in the Berlin Airlift overran runway 27R at Tempelhof Airport, striking a fence and catching fire. All four crew members survived the incident without injury.

What happened

During operations associated with the Berlin Airlift, an aircraft completed its landing on runway 27R at Tempelhof Airport. Following touchdown, the plane was unable to decelerate within the available runway length. Consequently, it overran the paved surface and collided with a wooded fence. The impact resulted in the aircraft coming to rest in flames, leading to partial destruction of the airframe by fire. Despite the severity of the post-impact fire, all four members of the crew emerged from the wreckage unhurt.

Findings

The primary mechanical or operational factor identified was the failure of the aircraft to stop within the remaining distance after landing. The subsequent collision with the fence and resulting fire were direct consequences of this overrun event.

Probable cause

The aircraft was unable to stop within the remaining runway distance after touchdown, leading to an overrun and subsequent collision.