Investigation Summary
The Hindenburg arrived at Lakehurst following a transatlantic crossing, delayed by several hours due to thunderstorms. During the landing maneuver, the airship made several sharp turns to align with the wind, which some researchers believe may have overstressed a bracing wire, causing it to snap and puncture one of the internal hydrogen gas cells. As the ship hovered at approximately 200 feet, landing lines were dropped to the ground crew. Shortly thereafter, witnesses observed a blue glow near the upper vertical fin. Notably, Professor Mark Heald of Princeton observed St. Elmo's Fire flickering along the airship's backbone for a full minute before the main fire broke out, providing strong evidence for the electrostatic discharge theory. The fire spread with extreme speed through the hydrogen-filled cells, consuming the entire structure in approximately 32 to 34 seconds. Of the 96 souls on board, 35 perished (13 passengers and 22 crew), along with one member of the ground crew, bringing the total death toll to 36.
Final Conclusions
Official investigations by both German and American authorities concluded that the fire was caused by an electrostatic discharge that ignited leaking hydrogen. The airship had likely become electrically charged during its flight through the stormy atmosphere. When the landing lines touched the ground, the metal framework was grounded, but the fabric covering retained its charge. This difference in potential resulted in a spark that ignited a hydrogen-air mixture formed by a leak in the aft section of the ship. No evidence of sabotage was ever discovered.
Photographic Evidence (1)
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Systems & Failure Modes
Hydrogen Gas Cells
Sixteen internal cells containing approximately 7 million cubic feet of highly flammable hydrogen gas for lift.
Duralumin Framework
The rigid internal structure of the airship. It was separated from the outer skin by non-conductive ramie cords, which allowed a significant difference in electrical potential to build up between the frame and the skin.
Outer Fabric Covering
Cotton skin treated with a protective coating (dope) containing aluminum flakes and iron oxide. The skin was electrically isolated from the frame, contributing to the static discharge that ignited the hydrogen.
Interesting Facts
- 01The Hindenburg was the largest aircraft ever flown, measuring 804 feet in length.
- 02The ship was originally designed to use non-flammable helium, but a U.S. export ban forced the use of hydrogen.
- 03Despite the visual intensity of the fire, 62 of the 97 people on board survived; the 36 fatalities included one member of the ground crew.
- 04The disaster was famously narrated by radio reporter Herbert Morrison, who uttered the phrase 'Oh, the humanity!'
Safety Actions & Advisories
Termination of Rigid Airship Programs
The disaster led to the immediate grounding and eventual scrapping of the remaining German zeppelins, effectively ending the use of rigid airships for commercial passenger transport.
Known Controversies & Unanswered Questions
Incendiary Paint Theory
Reference ↗A theory proposed by retired NASA engineer Addison Bain suggested the highly flammable cellulose nitrate dope on the fabric skin, rather than hydrogen, was the primary fuel. This has been largely debunked by experts who point out the fire's behavior was consistent with hydrogen combustion.
Sabotage Allegations
Reference ↗Early theories suggested a bomb or a gunshot triggered the fire to embarrass the Nazi regime. However, no physical evidence of an explosive device or criminal intent was ever found by investigators.