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14 fatalities

Vickers Viking accident at Berlin-Gatow, Germany, 5 Apr 1948 (G-AIVP)

Berlin-Gatow, GermanyLanding (descent or approach)

On April 5, 1948, a Vickers Viking (registration G-AIVP) operated by British European Airways - BEA was involved in an aviation accident near Berlin-Gatow, Germany during landing or approach. 14 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The collision was caused by the action of the Yak fighter, which was in disregard of the accepted rules of flying and, in particular, of the quadripartite flying rules to which Soviet authorities were parties. 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)Source recordUpdated 2026-08-05Data APIEditorial standards

Probable cause

The collision was caused by the action of the Yak fighter, which was in disregard of the accepted rules of flying and, in particular, of the quadripartite flying rules to which Soviet authorities were parties.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

On final approach to Berlin-Gatow Airport, at an altitude of 1,500 feet, the twin engine aircraft collided with a Soviet Air Force Yakovlev Yak-3. Both aircraft went out of control and crashed. All 14 occupants on board the Viking were killed as well as the fighter pilot. Crew: John Ralph, pilot, Norman Merrington, copilot, Charles Mamser, radio operator, Leonard G. Goodman, steward. Passengers: Sgt Pasquale E. Pintus, Frances Ruth Clough, J. K. Shea, J. E. Roberts, S. J. Stocking, Robert Collier, Waldemar Hald, Cpt Flamings, M. Lewin, H. Read-Jahn.

Probable cause (official findings): The collision was caused by the action of the Yak fighter, which was in disregard of the accepted rules of flying and, in particular, of the quadripartite flying rules to which Soviet authorities were parties.

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