Heringsdorf

On final approach to Heringsdorf Airport in poor weather conditions, the twin engine aircraft collided with trees and crashed in a wooded area located 750 metres short of runway 28, bursting into flames. The pilot, sole on board, was seriously injured and the aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and a post crash fire. At the time of the accident, the visibility was about 400 metres with a ceiling at 100 feet, below minimums.

The crew was performing a flight from Heringsdorf to Kamenz with an intermediate stop at Neuhardenberg-Marxwalde Airbase located about 60 km northeast from Berlin. On final approach, the captain instructed the copilot to take over control of the aircraft. The copilot failed to comply with procedures and, from a height of 100 meters, he lost control of the airplane that stalled and crashed short of runway. Both pilots were injured and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

The crew departed Heringsdorf Airport on a local training flight. While circling in the vicinity of the airfield, the airplane collided with a Heinkel He.51 (MSN 1019) also operated by the Luftwaffe. Both aircraft dove into the ground and crashed in Bossin, about 4 km west of Heringsdorf Airport. All four crew members on board the W.34 as well as the pilot of the He.51 (Uffz Sebastian Strobel) were killed.
Crew:
Ofw Hans Klinger, pilot,
Ofhr Erich Plewka, pilot,
Ofhr Hans Lorensen, pilot.
Uffz Ernst Drude, mechanic.