5 fatalities

Three-engine aircraft shot down near Stara Pazova (D-AOCA)

Stara Pazova, SerbiaTakeoff (climb)

On April 17, 1944, a Junkers JU.52 (registration D-AOCA) operated by Deutsche Lufthansa was involved in an aviation accident near Stara Pazova, Serbia during takeoff. 5 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft was shot down by an allied fighter during its initial climb after takeoff. 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)Primary reportUpdated 2026-08-05Data APIEditorial standards

A three-engine aircraft was hit by an allied fighter shortly after takeoff from Belgrade-Zemun, resulting in a crash in Stara Pazova that killed five occupants and injured two.

What happened

The incident occurred shortly after the aircraft departed Belgrade-Zemun Airfield. While in the climb phase, the airframe was engaged by an allied fighter jet. The three-engine machine sustained impacts to its rear section and starboard side, which immediately triggered a fire. Unable to maintain control due to the damage and flames, the aircraft descended into a field in Stara Pazova, located approximately 25 kilometers north of Belgrade.

The crash resulted in significant loss of life. Five occupants were killed in the accident, while two crew members survived with serious injuries.

Probable cause

The aircraft was shot down by an allied fighter during its initial climb after takeoff.