What happened
During a cargo flight from Schleswig as part of the Berlin Airlift, the pilot brought the Lancaster down at Berlin-Tegel Airport. Upon touchdown, a tire burst occurred, leading to a loss of control. The aircraft veered off the runway and collided with a Handley Page H.P.70 Halifax VIII registered G-AHWN, which was parked on the apron.
The impact caused significant damage to the Lancaster, rendering it beyond repair. Fortunately, there were no casualties among the crew or other personnel present. The struck Halifax, G-AHWN, sustained damage but was subsequently repaired and returned to service.
Findings
The official investigation identified the tire burst on landing as the primary cause of the accident. This mechanical failure directly led to the loss of directional control, resulting in the aircraft leaving the runway and striking the stationary aircraft on the ground.