Investigation Summary
The flight departed Berlin Tempelhof at 14:24 local time. By 14:48, the radio operator reported the aircraft was at 2,200 meters (7,200 feet) within cloud layers. Just two minutes later, a report of icing was transmitted, followed by a final communication at 14:58. Based on the stopped on-board clock, the crash occurred between 15:01 and 15:03. Witnesses on the ground observed the aircraft flying at very low altitudes, below 300 meters, for several minutes before the final impact, suggesting the initial descent from cruising altitude was extremely steep and rapid. Post-crash analysis of the wreckage revealed significant ice buildup on the flight surfaces. Specifically, investigators found evidence that ice had jammed the elevators between the tail fin end cap and the outer balancer. Dents found on the tail fin end cap and a sheared rivet between the outer balancer and the drive shaft supported the theory that the crew had attempted to move the jammed controls with significant force. While investigators noted damage that could have been caused by a foreign object, no such object was ever found, and icing remained the primary cited cause.
Final Conclusions
The investigation concluded that the accident was caused by severe ice accumulation on the tail surfaces. The ice, measured at up to 2 centimeters thick, critically altered the aircraft's flight characteristics and physically jammed the elevator controls. This led to an immediate and uncontrolled descent from which the crew could not recover.
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Systems & Failure Modes
Elevators
Control surfaces on the tail used to manage pitch; investigators found these were likely jammed by ice between the tail fin end cap and the outer balancer.
Outer Balancer
A component of the tail assembly where a sheared rivet was discovered, suggesting the control linkage failed during the icing event.
Interesting Facts
- 01The aircraft was named Brandenburg and was one of the few Ju 90s in civil service.
- 02Ice accumulation on the wreckage was measured between 1.5 and 2 centimeters thick.
- 03A sheared rivet was found in the elevator assembly, indicating a mechanical failure under load or an attempt to force jammed controls.
- 04The crash resulted in the death of Adolf Raskin, a prominent German musician and journalist.
Safety Actions & Advisories
Tail Icing Investigation
The investigation into the D-AVMF crash highlighted a specific vulnerability in the Ju 90 design where ice could accumulate and jam the gap between the tail fin end cap and the outer balancer. This led to a better understanding of tailplane icing risks on large multi-engine transports of the era.