Junkers JU.52 accident at Prague, Czech Republic, 5 Mar 1946 (OK-ZDN)
On March 5, 1946, a Junkers JU.52 (registration OK-ZDN) operated by CSA Czech Airlines - Československé Státní Aerolinie was involved in an aviation accident near Prague, Czech Republic during landing or approach. 10 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It is believed that the crew continued the third approach at an insufficient altitude, probably in order to establish a visual contact with the ground. 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.
Probable cause
It is believed that the crew continued the third approach at an insufficient altitude, probably in order to establish a visual contact with the ground.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
Following an uneventful flight from Paris via Strasbourg, the crew started the descent to Prague but encountered poor weather conditions. Due to low visibility, the first approach was abandoned and a go around was performed. A second attempt to land was abandoned as well, still for the same reason. During the third attempt, the three engine aircraft was too low and hit the ground short of runway threshold. Eight passengers and two crew members were killed while five other occupants were seriously injured.
Probable cause (official findings): It is believed that the crew continued the third approach at an insufficient altitude, probably in order to establish a visual contact with the ground.