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Posted: 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 4, 2013

76 years later, cause of Hindenburg explosion discovered

Detailed report adds ground crew information

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The disaster was the subject of spectacular newsreel coverage, photographs, and recorded radio eyewitness report from the landing field, which was broadcast the next day. photo
Murray Becker
The disaster was the subject of spectacular newsreel coverage, photographs, and recorded radio eyewitness report from the landing field, which was broadcast the next day. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Hindenburg disaster. The German passenger airship caught fire and exploded on May 6, 1937 killing 35 people and shocking the world.

By Rick Couri

The latest report says it started when an electrical storm caused the Hindenburg to become charged with static electricity.

Add to that a hydrogen leak that allowed the highly explosive gas to build up in ventilation n shafts.

The final key was when the ground crew grabbed the ropes used to help the zeppelin land. That completed a process called earthing. It connected the Hindenburg to the ground and caused the spark that led to the explosion.

Read the entire story here.

The team has been experimenting on 79 foot scale models for several years before coming up with the final report.

The Hindenburg was destroyed as it landed on May 6, 1937 killing 35 people.

Interestingly, the airship industry may be making a comeback due to new technology and materials. Bloomberg reports some manufacturers believe the ships may steal away business for travel and cargo by 2016.

 
 
 

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