The
world’s largest aircraft suffered cockpit damage on Wednesday after
nosediving while landing on its second test flight, but there were no
injuries, according to the craft’s manufacturer.
The 92-metre-long Airlander 10, part
helicopter and part airship, came down at Cardington Airfield in
Bedfordshire, south east England.
“Airlander sustained damage on landing
during today’s flight,” said Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV). “All crew are
safe and well and there are no injuries.”
Amateur footage of the landing showed the craft suddenly pitching forward and landing on its cockpit, which was visibly damaged.
An eyewitness quoted by the BBC said
that a line hanging down from the plane “hit the telegraph pole about
two fields away,” but Hybrid Air Vehicles later said that “no damage was
sustained mid-air or as a result of a telegraph pole as reported.”
The aircraft was initially developed by
the US government as a surveillance vehicle, but production was shelved
as part of government cutbacks.
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