The Report of the Airship "Hindenburg" Accident Investigation by the United States Department of Commerce is a comprehensive and detailed examination of the tragic crash of the Hindenburg airship in 1937. The report meticulously analyzes all aspects of the accident, from the initial fire to the response from crew members and rescue teams.

One of the strengths of the report is its thoroughness in collecting and presenting all available evidence, including witness testimonies, technical data, and photographic evidence. This allows for a detailed reconstruction of the events leading up to the disaster, providing invaluable insights into what went wrong and how similar accidents can be avoided in the future.

The report also does an excellent job of highlighting the multiple factors that contributed to the accident, including design flaws, operational errors, and poor weather conditions. By examining these factors in depth, the report sheds light on the complex nature of aviation safety and the importance of continuous improvement in industry practices.

Overall, the Report of the Airship "Hindenburg" Accident Investigation is a sobering and insightful document that serves as a valuable resource for researchers, historians, and aviation professionals alike. It offers a sobering reminder of the dangers inherent in aviation and the importance of learning from past mistakes to prevent future tragedies.

Book Description:
“Oh my!”
-Herbert O. Morrison, WLS News, Chicago

Thursday, 6 May, 1937: It is early evening at a remote airport in central New Jersey. It’s starting to rain again. Suddenly, much to the surprise of the dozens of spectators gathered below, a gigantic diesel powered balloon blows up as it tries to land after crossing the ocean from Germany. In less time than it takes to read this summary, this proud machine, the quintessence of aerostatic technology, is re-forged forever into a twisted, smoking metaphor.

Eighty years have passed since that unsettled Spring evening. In the interval, several investigators have painstakingly reviewed the facts, introduced new evidence, rearranged the lines of reasoning, and employed artistic license to shed new light on the source of the "elusive spark" that brought the ship down. Despite these efforts, the conclusions drawn by the original 1937 commission remain essentially intact to this day.

The full official report of the 1937 U.S. Department of Commerce accident investigation is presented here for the first time in audio format.