Airlander 10: Longest aircraft damaged during flight

Re:Airlander 10: Longest aircraft damaged during flight by LeifCarrotson on Wednesday August 24, 2016 @11:12AM (#12352609)

It nosedived on landing, and suffered some damage to the cabin. The crew was fine.

That's a huge win for lighter-than-air flight in my book. A jet aircraft would be a smear of aluminum, carbon fiber, and jet fuel all over the runway.

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Re:Airlander 10: Longest aircraft damaged during flight by mdip on Wednesday August 24, 2016 @11:53AM (#12352919)

Actually, a nose-dive landing occurred at LaGuardia in 2013 - Southwest Airlines - I believe the incident had something to do with the front landing gear failing. There was a small fire (as you mention, jet fuel is quite flammable and if there's a leak and a spark, that's a foregone conclusion, I'd imagine).

But the aircraft itself didn't look too bad which is a testament to decades of engineering experience with a device of such complexity[0].

[0] And found a link! http://gothamist.com/2013/07/23/video_southwest_planes_nosed...

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Re:Airlander 10: Longest aircraft damaged during flight by gengkev on Wednesday August 24, 2016 @10:55PM (#12356707)

I guess that's why you're not supposed to take your seatbelt off until you get to the gate...

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Re:Airlander 10: Longest aircraft damaged during flight by ryanlol on Wednesday August 24, 2016 @12:03PM (#12352981)

Jet aircraft rarely nose lands. I'd imagine piloting a 90m helium balloon might be a bit more difficult and therefore result in far more nose landings.

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