Hybrid hydrogen and hot air balloon crash, Jun 15, 1785 (2 killed)
Hybrid hydrogen and hot air balloon accident on June 15, 1785 near Wimereux, near Boulogne-sur-Mer, France with 2 fatalities. Cause: Fire in the hybrid...
- Date: June 15, 1785
- Aircraft: Hybrid hydrogen and hot air balloon
- Location: Wimereux, near Boulogne-sur-Mer, France
- Fatalities: 2
- Phase of flight: En route
- Cause: Fire in the hybrid balloon. Accounts differ on the ignition source, with a spark from static electricity and the open flame used to heat the balloon both cited.
Jean Francois Pilatre de Rozier and Pierre Romain left Boulogne-sur-Mer in a hybrid hydrogen and hot air balloon to attempt a crossing of the English Channel. The balloon caught fire and came down near Wimereux, and both men were killed.