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95th Anniversary of the R101 Airship disaster

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Saturday, 4 October 2025 - 16 minutes

The R101 crash occurred on October 5, 1930, when the British airship R101, one of the largest airships ever built, crashed near Beauvais, France, during its maiden overseas flight to India. Designed as part of Britain’s ambitious airship programme to connect the Empire by air, the R101 was seen as a symbol of national pride and technological progress. However, structural flaws, poor weather, and political pressure to launch before it was ready led to disaster. The airship struck the ground and burst into flames, killing 48 of the 54 people on board, including senior government officials and engineers. The tragedy ended Britain’s airship programme and marked a turning point in public confidence in lighter-than-air travel.

To mark the event Trevor Monk arranged for a series of talks on the airship itself, and the history of Cardington airship works. Keith Ritchie was there to find out more.....

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