3 fatalities

Aircraft Collision with Church Near Berlin-Schönefeld Airport

Berlin-Schönefeld, GermanyLanding (descent or approach)

On April 26, 1956, an Ilyushin II-12 operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Berlin-Schönefeld, Germany during landing or approach. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew was approaching the airport at an insufficient altitude for an undetermined reason. 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)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft struck the top of the Bohnsdorf church while approaching Berlin-Schönefeld Airport, crashing three kilometers from the airfield. Three crew members were killed and three were injured.

Incident Overview During an approach to Berlin-Schönefeld Airport, an aircraft descended at an insufficient altitude and collided with the top of the Bohnsdorf church. The impact caused the aircraft to crash and burst into flames approximately three kilometers from the airfield. The source does not specify the aircraft type, registration, operator, or exact date of the incident. ## Casualties The accident resulted in three crew members being killed. Additionally, three other individuals were injured. ## Contributing Factors The investigation source states that the crew was approaching the airport at an insufficient altitude for an undetermined reason. No further details regarding the specific cause of the low approach are provided in the source.

Probable cause

The crew was approaching the airport at an insufficient altitude for an undetermined reason.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 26 Apr 1956 Ilyushin II-12 accident near Berlin-Schönefeld, Germany?

An aircraft struck the top of the Bohnsdorf church while approaching Berlin-Schönefeld Airport, crashing three kilometers from the airfield. Three crew members were killed and three were injured.

Were there any fatalities in the 26 Apr 1956 Ilyushin II-12 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 26 Apr 1956 involved an Ilyushin II-12, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Berlin-Schönefeld, Germany.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew was approaching the airport at an insufficient altitude for an undetermined reason.