Three Journalists Able To Safely Exit The Airship

One of Goodyear's blimps operating in Germany suffered fires in both engines Sunday night. The pilot of the airship was fatally injured in the accident, but three journalists who had been taking aerial photographs of a local music festival were able to jump to safety.

File Photo

The German newspaper Speigle reports that the airship was on approach to land when the fires broke out about six feet above the ground. The pilot told the passengers to jump while he tried to land the airship, but after they were able to exit the gondola, he climbed back to about 150 feet, and was unable to get out of the burning airship. It became engulfed in flames and fell to the ground.

One of the journalists said the pilot was having difficulties as he attempted to land the blimp after the photo shoot.

The Bild newspaper in Germany reports that the airship was leased by Goodyear from Lightship Europe for marketing and advertising purposes.

In a statement issued Monday, Goodyear said "As is customary in incidents involving aircraft, the aviation and local authorities have initiated an investigation. Goodyear and Lightship Europe Limited can not speculate on causes."

FMI: www.lightships.com