Anniversary of U.S.S. Akron crash – April 4, 1933

Posted By: Dan Grossman April 4, 2015

On this day in 1933, the U.S. Navy dirigible ZRS-4 Akron crashed in a storm off the coast of New Jersey, killing 73 of the 76 men aboard the airship.

The only three survivors of the USS Akron crash: Moody Erwin (left), Herbert V. Wiley (center), Richard Deal (right)

The only three survivors of the USS Akron crash: Moody Erwin (left), Herbert V. Wiley (center), Richard Deal (right)

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Stuart
Stuart
11 years ago

Here’s a true story of gifted luck;

John Lust was a crewman aboard the ZRS-4 Akron stationed then out of Lakehurst, NJ. Shortly before the April 3rd 1933 flight, John got into a car accident that left him in the hospital and couldn’t make the flight.

An unfortunate accident that saved at least one life that tragic day that turned out to be a blessing for a young boy interested in airships who happened to meet up with and talk with Mr. Lust long ago.

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