Summary
WHEN the crew swapped watch on board the R101 at 2am on the morning of October 5, 1930, the airship was passing to the east of the town of Beavais in northern France. No-one aboard reported anything wrong, but those civilians observing the giant balloon from the ground thought it was already experiencing difficulties because of the worsening weather.
It had unexpectedly dived and, at about 530ft, was perilously close to the ground. Unable to gain control of the ship, the captain ordered all engines to reduce speed if not stop altogether and passengers and crew braced themselves for a forced landing.See the full content of this document
Extract
Propaganda Cards Weren't All Hot Air
Although travelling at less than 14mph when the R101 hit the ground, only eight people managed to scramble to safety and, with the loss of 48 officers a...
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