Deadly MiG-21 crash: When the military sealed off the village!

Deadly MiG-21 crash: When the military sealed off the village!

In the small village of Sassen, a shadow fell over the idyll on August 13, 1965, when a MiG-21 of the National People's Army (NVA) crashed shortly after take-off in Tutow. The fully fueled fighter plane ran into trouble and caused massive destruction. Unlike other places, Sassen did not remain calm, as the military completely sealed off the area to ensure the safety of civilians. How Northern Courier Reportedly, the first soldiers from Jagdgeschwader 9, which was stationed only ten kilometers away as the crow flies, needed over an hour to get to the scene of the accident. The journey was made difficult by the Peene and Schwinge river valleys and a lack of local knowledge.

Immediately after the accident, all civilians were forced out of the village. The military and security forces ensured that no one was allowed to enter the scene, fearing possible danger and rumors that could spread quickly. According to information from Northern Courier Helicopters were also available and were used for rescue operations the following week.

Consequences and damage

The crash had dramatic consequences: the LPG poultry farm's stable and the pastor's barn were destroyed by flames. Fortunately, the rectory was saved. Several buildings in Sassen were damaged by the debris - walls and roofs had to be repaired, but no owner was left with the costs Northern Courier communicates.

The explosion led to kerosene pollution in the pastor's garden area, which is why this plot had to be closed to cultivation. Tragically, some children found remains of the plane and there were reports that parts of the crashed vehicle were taken illegally. Such incidents highlight the curiosity and lack of awareness of the dangers associated with military accidents.

The MiG-21 in military service

The MiG-21 was the most modern fighter aircraft in the Warsaw Pact arsenal at the time and was considered a showpiece of the NVA. The basic structure of the NVA air force took place in the early 1960s, with the MiG-21 being used as the first Mach 2 aircraft. How to on mig-21 online As you can read, the first MiG-21 F-13 entered service on May 4, 1962. By the end of 1964, numerous additional aircraft had been put into service, and the conversion to the new MiG-21 extended into the late 1970s.

Numerous books and reports dealing with the topic document the history and the numerous possible uses of the MiG-21, including “Aircraft and Helicopters of the NVA” and “Fighter Aircraft of the NVA.” These works provide deep insights into military aviation and the development of the GDR's air force, as well as the challenges associated with operating such aircraft. A particularly remarkable work is the collection “MiGs over Peenemünde”, which illuminates the history of the units stationed there up to the present day.

The Sassen disaster remains not only a tragic reminder of the dangers of military aviation, but also a sign of the secrecy that the NVA maintained around its fleet of MiG-21s. While the population struggled with the consequences of the accident, the military leadership ensured that no information was leaked that could endanger the security or reputation of the military.