Lectures & Discussions

The plane crash of December 12, 1986—“Mourning Under Control” in the GDR and its consequences to this day.

Wednesday, 30/09/2026 / 07:00 PM - 08:30 PM / Kulturforum Schleswig-Holstein-Haus

The lecture focuses on the plane crash, its connection to Schwerin, and how the GDR government officially handled the situation.

At Forum.STADT.Geschichte, freelance author and journalist Matthias Baerens will give a talk about a serious plane crash that occurred 40 years ago.

Titled “The Plane Crash of December 12, 1986 —Mourning Under Control in the GDR and the Consequences to This Day,” the talk focuses on the second-deadliest plane crash in German aviation history, which occurred on December 12, 1986, shortly before landing at Berlin-Schönefeld. Seventy-two people lost their lives when an Aeroflot plane crashed during its approach to land. The city of Schwerin was particularly affected, as the plane was carrying a school class from Großer Dreesch that was returning from a field trip to Minsk. Only a few of the students survived the crash.

Immediately after the crash, the Stasi began monitoring the families of the victims to prevent anti-Soviet statements. The tragic event has left a deep mark on Schwerin that remains to this day.

For years, Matthias Baerens has researched this plane crash in various archives and sought out and interviewed numerous eyewitnesses. This evening, he will present his extensive research and the findings of his work, which he has published in the book *Trauer unter Kontrolle* (*Grief Under Control*). He will also provide information on how those affected can access archives and files if they wish to learn more.

All statements without guarantee.