On May 6, 1937 The German Airship Hindenburg burst into flames 200 feet over its intended landing spot at New Jersey’s Lakehurst Naval Air Station.
The cause of the disaster is still uncertain. Some thought the ship had been hit by lightning while others continue to believe that hydrogen was the cause.
Some Germans even cried foul play, suspecting sabotage intended to sully the reputation of the Nazi regime. NASA research, however, has shown that the highly combustible varnish treating the fabric on the outside of the vessel most likely caused the tragedy. Thirty-five people were killed including 13 passengers and 22 crewman on of which was on the ground.
Read more: <a href=”http://www.infoplease.com/spot/hindenburg1.html#ixzz1YnMOSgtO”>The Hindenburg Tragedy</a>: May 6, 1937.
Infographic diagram of the Hindenburg tragedy (Credit: Juan Pablo Bravo)