On October 29, 1940, a Douglas DC-3 (registration D-AAIH) operated by Deutsche Lufthansa was involved in an aviation accident near Berlin-Tempelhof, Germany during landing or approach. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Low visibility due to poor weather conditions during final approach led to the aircraft impacting the ground short of the runway. 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.
A twin-engine aircraft struck the ground short of the runway during a low-visibility approach to Berlin-Tempelhof, resulting in two fatalities and multiple injuries.
What happened
During a final approach into Berlin-Tempelhof Airport, the flight crew faced significantly reduced visibility caused by adverse weather conditions. The twin-engine aircraft failed to reach the runway threshold and impacted the terrain short of the landing strip, leading to a crash. Both pilots were killed in the accident, while all other occupants sustained injuries.
Findings
The incident occurred under poor weather conditions that limited visual cues for the crew during the critical final approach phase. The aircraft's impact with the ground prior to reaching the runway indicates a deviation from the intended glide path or insufficient altitude management in low-visibility circumstances.
Probable cause
Low visibility due to poor weather conditions during final approach led to the aircraft impacting the ground short of the runway.
What happened in the 29 Oct 1940 Douglas DC-3 accident near Berlin-Tempelhof, Germany?
A twin-engine aircraft struck the ground short of the runway during a low-visibility approach to Berlin-Tempelhof, resulting in two fatalities and multiple injuries.
Were there any fatalities in the 29 Oct 1940 Douglas DC-3 accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 29 Oct 1940 involved a Douglas DC-3, registration D-AAIH, operated by Deutsche Lufthansa, at Berlin-Tempelhof, Germany.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Low visibility due to poor weather conditions during final approach led to the aircraft impacting the ground short of the runway.
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