5 fatalities

Five Killed When Three-Engine Aircraft Shot Down Near Belgrade (D-AUAW)

Velika Ivanča, SerbiaLanding (descent or approach)

On September 2, 1944, a Junkers JU.52 (registration D-AUAW) operated by Deutsche Lufthansa was involved in an aviation accident near Velika Ivanča, Serbia during landing or approach. 5 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft was shot down by enemy fighter planes during its approach to Belgrade Airport. 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 named 'Gerham Amann' was shot down by enemy fighters while approaching Belgrade Airport, resulting in the deaths of all five occupants.

What happened

The incident involved a three-engine aircraft christened 'Gerham Amann' that was in the process of approaching Belgrade Airport. At the time of the event, the plane was flying at an altitude of approximately 400 meters. During this final approach phase, the aircraft came under fire from three enemy fighter pilots. The sustained attack caused the plane to crash into a field situated in Velika Ivanča, which is located south of Belgrade. Tragically, all five occupants on board were killed in the crash.

Findings

Official investigations determined that the primary cause of the accident was the aircraft being shot down by enemy fighters. The hostile action taken by the opposing military forces directly led to the loss of control and subsequent fatal impact with the ground.

Probable cause

The aircraft was shot down by enemy fighter planes during its approach to Belgrade Airport.