On July 6, 1971, Led Zeppelin's private plane, the Starship, crashed in a field in North Carolina. Fortunately, all band members and crew survived. However, the incident has inevitably drawn comparisons to the infamous Hindenburg Disaster of 1937, in which a German airship caught fire and crashed, killing 36 people.
The Hindenburg Disaster
The Hindenburg Disaster is one of the most well-known aviation accidents in history. The German airship, which was filled with hydrogen gas, caught fire and crashed while attempting to dock in New Jersey. The incident was captured on film and broadcasted around the world, leading many to question the safety of air travel.
The exact cause of the Hindenburg Disaster is still debated to this day. Some believe that a spark from a static discharge ignited the hydrogen gas, while others suggest that sabotage was involved.
The Starship Crash
Led Zeppelin's Starship crash, while not as catastrophic as the Hindenburg Disaster, was still a harrowing experience for all involved. The plane, which was en route to a concert in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, experienced engine trouble and was forced to make an emergency landing in a field.
Despite the severity of the situation, all band members and crew managed to evacuate the plane safely. In fact, the incident has since been referred to as "the day Led Zeppelin cheated death."
The Aftermath
Following the Starship crash, Led Zeppelin was forced to cancel several shows on their tour. However, the incident did not dampen the band's spirits, and they continued to play to sold-out crowds throughout the 1970s.
The Starship itself was repaired and continued to be used by the band for several years. However, it was eventually sold and repurposed as a cargo plane.
The Legacy
Despite the Starship crash being a traumatic experience for all involved, it has become a legendary moment in Led Zeppelin's history. The incident has been referenced in several songs, including "Achilles Last Stand" and "Nobody's Fault But Mine."
Additionally, the crash has become a point of fascination for Led Zeppelin fans and aviation enthusiasts alike. The story of how the band cheated death has only added to their mythos as one of the greatest rock bands of all time.
Conclusion
The Led Zeppelin Hindenburg Disaster, while not as catastrophic as the original tragedy, is still a significant moment in the band's history. The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers of air travel, as well as the resilience of the human spirit. Today, Led Zeppelin's music continues to inspire new generations of fans, ensuring that their legacy will live on for years to come.