No fatalities

Emergency Landing Near Dortmund Due to In-Flight Engine Failure (RR-USS)

Dortmund, GermanyFlight

On July 15, 1926, a Polikarpov PM-1 (registration RR-USS) operated by Aviakhim was involved in an aviation accident near Dortmund, Germany in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: In-flight engine failure resulting from the failure of a connecting rod. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-08-04Data APIEditorial standards

Aircraft made an emergency landing in a field near Dortmund after engine trouble while en route from Berlin to Paris. All three occupants evacuated safely, though the plane was destroyed.

What happened

While traveling from Berlin to Paris, the pilot experienced significant mechanical issues with the aircraft's powerplant. Recognizing the severity of the situation, the pilot initiated an emergency procedure and attempted to land the machine in a suitable area. The aircraft ultimately crash-landed in an open field located near Dortmund. Following the impact, the airframe came to rest on the ground. All three individuals aboard the aircraft managed to evacuate the wreckage safely without sustaining injuries. Despite the successful evacuation of the crew and passengers, the structural integrity of the plane was compromised, resulting in damage that rendered it beyond repair.

Findings

Investigation into the incident identified a specific mechanical defect as the root cause of the emergency. The official determination concluded that the in-flight engine failure was triggered by the rupture or malfunction of a connecting rod. This component failure led to the loss of power, necessitating the immediate emergency landing.

Probable cause

In-flight engine failure resulting from the failure of a connecting rod.