The hydrogen-filled German airship Hindenburg bursts into flames while landing at Lakehurst, New Jersey, killing 36 people. Filmed and broadcast, the disaster ends passenger travel by giant airship.
Contested history
Consensus: American and German inquiries concluded that leaking hydrogen was ignited, most likely by a static or electrical spark as the ship landed in stormy weather.
A static spark ignited leaking hydrogenEstablished
Both inquiries pointed to a hydrogen leak ignited by atmospheric electricity during the landing.
Flammable coating on the skin caused the fireMinority view
A 1997 theory blamed the fabric dope, but tests and film of how fast the ship burned point to hydrogen.