Heinkel He.111 accident at Schriesheim, Germany, 12 Nov 1937 (D-AXAV)
On November 12, 1937, a Heinkel He.111 (registration D-AXAV) operated by Deutsche Lufthansa was involved in an aviation accident near Schriesheim, Germany during landing or approach. 10 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: No mechanical anomalies were found on the aircraft, engines and instruments. At the time of the accident, the airplane was not following the proper approach path for Mannheim Airport, probably following a navigational error favored by the foggy conditions. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Probable cause
No mechanical anomalies were found on the aircraft, engines and instruments. At the time of the accident, the airplane was not following the proper approach path for Mannheim Airport, probably following a navigational error favored by the foggy conditions.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
While descending to Mannheim Airport, the crew encountered poor visibility due to foggy conditions. On final approach, the airplane was off course when, at an altitude of 1,500 feet and at a speed of 430 km/h, it impacted the east slope of Mt Weisser Stein located near Schriesheim, some 15 km east of Mannheim Airport. Two passengers were seriously injured and 10 other occupants were killed. Crew: Friedrich Günther, pilot, † Jakob Thaler, radio operator. † Passengers: Gustav Adolf Stoltze, † Adolf Hörner, † Eugen Wallenstädter, † Mr. Steegen, † Max Kornbaum, † Alois Bender, † Wolfgang Ullmann, † Vinzens Wagner, † Walter Egeli, H. Duisberger.
Probable cause (official findings): No mechanical anomalies were found on the aircraft, engines and instruments. At the time of the accident, the airplane was not following the proper approach path for Mannheim Airport, probably following a navigational error favored by the foggy conditions.