The New York herald., 1921-08-25
AIRSHIP EXPLOSION
TRACED TO STORMS
Experts Believe Gas Became
Oyercharged and Caused
Blasts.
FRAMEWORK BROKEN
Sudden Order for Full
Speed May Have Been
Too Great Strain.
BRITISH FILTERS STUNNED
Wireless Reports Up to Time
Of Tragedy Indicated Trial
Flight Was Success.

Special Gable to THE NEw YoRK HnsALp.
COPYRIGHT, 1921, oy THE New YonK HERALD.
New York Herald Bureau.
London, Aug. "A.
Widely divergent theories were Of
fered here tonight regarding the cause
of the disaster to the ZR-2. As one
officer who missed the flight aboard
the ZR-2, because he was held here by
the illness of his wife. remarked:
"It just goes to show what a vast
and unexplored field we have been
working in"
Most fliers here talked with the ut
most abandon, being stunned by the
loss OF their companions aboard the
ZR-2. and especially by the death OF
their chiefs, Brig.-Gen. L. NJ. Matt
land, British Air Commodore; Col.
Campbell, who directed the designing
Of the ZR-2, and Flight Lieut.. Pritch-
ard of the Air Ministry.
The two theories most generally ac-
copied are:
/. When the airship entered calm
weather conditions her experts ordered
full power ahead. which had not been
tried in any previous flight, and the
sudden stress revealed faults OF con-
stluction which hitherto were unsuspect-
ed The whole frame snapped, causing
the explosions and the fire.
2. Electricity had accumulated In the
gas bags after many hours, ana De-
tween electrical storms and the gas be-
came overcharged and exploded.
Experts say there is considerable to
bear out either theory.
Built for Endurance.
The airship was originally laid down
for speed and endurance greater than
that of the greatest Zeppellns. Her
frame was lightened to the utmost prac-
ticable limit consistent with what was
thought to be safe. On her last previous
trial, when four of her six motors We're
turned on full speed. few of the air
ships ribs gave way. AT that time u
was predicted in best informed circles
that the ZR-2 would not be able to cross
the Atlantic in August, as was sched-
uled THE NEW YORK HERALD corre-
spondent here learned that certain ex-
pertss were greatly worried over the
breakage OF the ribs and that they had
resolved they would not turn her over 10
the Americans until they were convinced
she was perfect.
While the Americans In Howden were
impatient to get away on the trip home !;
were chatting at the bit. so to speak;
becoming worried because of the near
ness of the equinoctial storm period,
and were promising their friends they
would be home soon. the British In
charge OF the ZR-2 remained non-com-
municative but anxious and were deter
mined to make as many tests as pos
aible.
The airship waited at Howden for the
last three weeks for perfect weather.
The British would not consent to take
off except under the best conditions be-
cause Of their apprehension. When THE
NEW YORK HERALD correspondent was in
Howden last week the sun was shining
and the wind was calm. 1t looked like
n good flying day. However. there were
storm clouds on the horizon and British
air officers would not consider flying
that day, although it was the kind OF a
day when, in war time. the sky on the
western front would have been singing
with aerial activity.
At last 1t became necessary to COM
plete the tests if the ship was to get to
America this year.
Going Well on Trial Trip.
The wireless indications up to this af-
ternoon indicated that everything was
going well on the trial fight OF the
ZR-2. officials of the Air Ministry at
$50 o'clock expressed themselves as
immensely cheered by the good show
ing the giant dirigible had made.
The ZR-2 hung over the coast line in
II. ..FI IT&.ll NJ 4 ~
this afternoon signalied from Pulham
she would not land until the clouds rose.
Later she requested Howden to fly a
kite balloon to 5000 feet and get the
approximate winds, indicating she might
land there. At :15 r. M. she said she
was going TO carry out her full speed
trials, which 1t was expected would take
about an hour. Al $3.50 +. NJ she sig
nailed she had carried out her fun speed
trials and at p. NJ. that she was land
ing at Howden at 8 80 p. M.
Men following the flight felt when the
high speed tests had been passed that
the ZR-2 had succeeded and had proved
her worth. Most optimistic reports were
given of her performance and all Off
cials were optimistic that she would be
able to meet the schedule for sailing to
America. The correspondent found the
atmosphere to be one of decided relief.
During the flight the airship braved
some bad weather and rode for hours
between electrical storms which had
been disturbing the atmosphere In York
shire for the last month. This knowl-
edge gives rise to the theory that cleo
trlcity caused the wreck. Experts say
that electricity accumulates in gas bags
and they now figure that the charged
atmosphere with pressure on both sides.
caused static electricity which ultimately
caused the explosion.
other Accidents Recalled.
One nirahip pilot recallnd 10 the cor