Hindenburg prelude by ric gustafson
People know about the 1937 explosion of the Hindenburg at the Lakehurst Naval Air Station. What people do not know is that four years earlier, another airship crashed with more deaths than the Hindenburg.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the crash of the USS Akron which is the deadliest airship disaster on record. The USS Akron was a 785 foot dirigible that was in it's third year of flight. It was flying over the Atlantic Ocean after midnight on April 4 1933 when a violent storm sent it plunging into the ocean.
The airship left Lakehurst and just a few hours later, crashed into the Atlantic Ocean killing 73 of the 76 men aboard. The airship had no life vests and only one rubber raft. The crash just about completely deflated the airship and it was a few weeks before the entire wreckage was lifted from the ocean. The three surviving crew members included Lt Commander Herbert Wiley who was in the control car just before the crash.
A small plaque at Lakehurst Naval Air Station commemorates this nearly forgotten tragedy in american history.
research help: An Omaha World Herald article
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
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