German investigators have confirmed that an engine problem on a sightseeing Douglas DC-3 in Berlin preceded the forced landing which severely damaged the vintage aircraft.
Investigation agency BFU states that the crew of the DC-3, operated by Air Service Berlin, heard "several explosive sounds" from the left-hand powerplant during the initial climb from Schonefeld Airport on 19 June.
The engine was subsequently shut down, it adds, and the aircraft conducted a left turn of about 150°, before carrying out an emergency landing in a construction site. BFU puts the time of the accident at 14:46.
Twenty-five passengers and three crew members were on board the DC-3. Five passengers and two crew members were injured, although most of the injuries were light. The aircraft suffered substantial structural damage in the impact.
Source: Flight International
