The Morris County chronicle. [volume] (Morristown, N.J.) 1877-1915, 1908-08-11
ZEPPELIN AIRSHIP
MASS OF WRECKAGE
Explcdes During a Thunderstorm
and Blows Away.
INVENTOR BROKEN HEARTED
Swept From Its Moorings at Echter-
dingen While at Anchor During
Long Anticipated Trial To
Construct New Airship at Once.


Construct New Airship at Once.
Echterdingen, Germany.-A dra-
matte END came to Count Zsppelin's
attempt at twenty-four-hou endur-
ance fight in his monster dirigible
balloon, and the airship, which the
day before was cutting rapidly
through the air and pursuing auto
mobiles, lies in an open field near
here mass of twisted. useless metal.
A chapter of accidents, due to storm
and the failure of mechanical appli-
ances combined, was responsible for
the abrupt termination of the fight
on the homeward journey.
Nevertheless, the performance of
the airship the day prior to its de-
struction added new laurels to those
already gained by Count Zeppelin. 1t
descended and landed on dry land
easily and smoothly. One of the steel
wire stays snapped, but otherwise the
airship was as unruffied as if it had
been dropped into its accustomed
place in Lake Constance. 1t was the
first time on record that dirigible
balloon had landed on firm ground
without sustaining injury.
Though Count Zeppelin was much
cast down by the unlocked for ending
of what promised to be a record
breaking flight throughout it is prob
able that he will lose no time in con-
structing another airship A Gov
eminent check for $4,000 is on the
way to him and subscription lists are
being opened in the large cities to
raise funds for another airship.
When over Echterdingen Count
Zeppelin decided to land, and the
landing was effected easily and
smoothly, only one OF the steel wire
stays being broken. The engineers
Immediately set about making repairs
to the balloon, which rode at anchor
in the centre of large force Of mill
tary which had been called out to
keep the crowds away
Count Zeppelin telegraphed to
Friedrichshafen for more gas cylin-
ders and then went to an inn for
luncheon. He had not returned when,
at 2.30 o'clock, the wind suddenly
sprang up. Some of the bystanders
remarked to the officers that a storm
was brewing and advised them to Sc
cure the airship, but their warning
was unheeded, and at 2.5S formid-
able gust of wind struck the airship
broadside.
At first the craft heeled over and
then her bows rose in the air, carry
ing with them a number of soldiers
who were holding the ropes. After
posing for a moment at a height OF
fifty feet the airship crashed to the
ground and the forward motor ex-
ploded. From the bows shot forth a
flame, while from the rear came thick
clouds of black smoke, shrouding the
entire structure.
When the air cleared the airship
was seen lying in an open field on
high plateau, with the aluminium en-.
yelope in ragged, tangled strips The
metal stays and bands and portions OF
the motors were strewn about, black
ened and burned scraps.
Officers rushed forward and found
that several soldiers had been hurt.
The four engineers who had occupied
the forward platform of the airship
had escaped death, but were suffering
from injuries. They were taken to
hospital. The men had tried when
the balloon broke away to couple up
the motors so as to ascend beyond
danger, but had failed.
Count Zeppelin was Immediately
sent for. When he arrived and saw
the hopeless wreck he broke down.
His head was bent on his chest and
tears were streaming from his eyes
as he stood in an attitude of despair
in front of the shattered airship.
Then friends induced him to enter a
motor car and return to Stuttgart.
whence later he left by train for
Friedrichshafen
Friedrichshafen.- Zeppelin's
secretary said on the night following
the accident that the Count already
was preparing plans for another bal
loon.