The pilot under training was carrying out a no vector take-off, which is an emergency manoeuvre required to be demonstrated for captaincy. Following release from the ground crew, the airship is accelerated on the ground manoeuvring wheel to approximately 25 knots, then rotated by use of the elevators only. This was the second such take-off. Near the point of rotation a gust of wind caused the airship to roll to the left and the left vector contacted the ground. The left propeller broke, and pieces of the propeller blades punctured the envelope, causing a loss of helium. The pilot-in-command immediately assumed control, put the airship back on the ground, and initiated an emergency helium rip to deflate the envelope. On-site investigation revealed that the take-off was being conducted over rising ground which had a left to right downslope.
