Explosion of the dirigible Hindenburg , the largest rigid airship ever constructed.
Launched in 1936 in Germany, it started the first commercial air service across the North Atlantic and made 10 successful round trips. On May 6, 1937, as it was landing in Lakehurst, N.J., U.S., its hydrogen gas burst into flames, destroying the airship and killing 36 of the 97 persons aboard. The disaster, recorded on film and phonograph disk, effectively ended the use of rigid airships in commercial transportation.
The Hindenburg in flames at Lakehurst Naval Air Station, New Jersey, May 6, 1937.
U.S. Navy photo