Hydrogen Montgolfier incident
Following the first flight of the Montgolfier brothers, the first severe accident with hydrogen on a Montgolfier-balloon occurred in 1785, when trying to cross the Channel from France to England. Two Frenchman were flying a balloon filled with hydrogen, which was also carrying a small hot-air balloon to control the altitude. This eventually ignited the hydrogen gas demonstrating its flammability. Both pilots were killed in this accident.
Event Date
June 15, 1785
Record Quality Indicator
Region / Country
Event Initiating System
Classification of the Physical Effects
Nature of the Consequences
Facility Information
Application Type
Application
Specific Application Supply Chain Stage
Components Involved
Montgolfier
Storage/Process Medium
Location Type
Location description
Airport and/or Airborne
Operational Condition
Post-event Summary
The worker reported burns of unknown grade.
Lessons Learned
Lessons Learned
balloon on hydrogen and on-board open flame are not a good diea
Event Nature
Emergency Action
none possible
Detonation
No
Deflagration
No
High Pressure Explosion
No
High Voltage Explosion
No
Source Category
References
References
Pages 248-248 in Sloop J.L. Liquid Hydrogen as a Propulsion Fuel - 1945-1959. NASA History Office, Report NASA SP-4404, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Washington D C., USA, 1978
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/19790008823/downloads/19790008823.p…
(Retrieved July 2023)