The Hindenburg Disaster: The End of an Era in Airship Travel

In the 1930s, airship travel was popular, offering speed and comfort. The Hindenburg, initially designed to use helium, switched to hydrogen due to a U.S. embargo. On its first New York flight, it was delayed by headwinds and lightning. Tragically, it caught fire, killing 36 people. The disaster, widely broadcasted, eroded trust in airships, leading to their decline as transatlantic planes and flying boats emerged.

What was the original lifting gas intended for the Hindenburg?

• Oxygen

• Nitrogen

• Helium

• Hydrogen

What delayed the Hindenburg's first flight to New York?

• Fuel shortage

• Headwinds and lightning

• Engine failure

• Pilot error

How many people were killed in the Hindenburg disaster?

• 40 passengers and crew, 0 ground crew

• 35 passengers and crew, 1 ground crew

• 50 passengers and crew, 2 ground crew

• 20 passengers and crew, 3 ground crew

Which of the following was NOT suggested as a possible cause of the Hindenburg disaster?

• Lightning

• Sabotage

• Static electricity

• Bird strike

What type of transport began to take over after the decline of airships?

• Submarines

• Space shuttles

• High-speed trains

• Transatlantic mail planes and flying boats