What happened
The incident occurred during a scheduled flight segment between Düsseldorf and Berlin. While cruising at an altitude of approximately 5,000 feet, the aircraft encountered adverse weather conditions characterized by fog and rain. During this phase of flight, the plane lost control and executed an uncontrolled dive toward the terrain. The airframe struck the ground in an open field, leading to a fatal crash. All 20 occupants on board were killed in the accident.
The crew consisted of a pilot, a copilot, a radio operator, and an engineer. The passenger manifest included several adults and children, totaling twenty individuals who perished in the event.
Findings
Official investigations were unable to establish a definitive cause for the loss of control. Authorities noted two primary theories regarding the mechanical or aerodynamic failure that preceded the crash. One possibility suggested that a propeller may have fractured, causing an engine to detach from the airframe. An alternative theory proposed that the pilot attempted a sudden pullout maneuver from a rapid descent, which may have overstressed a wing structure and resulted in its catastrophic failure.