The world’s longest aircraft, Airlander 10, has crash-landed at the end of its second test flight.

After completing the 100min test flight, Airlander 10 experienced a heavy landing during its return flight to Cardington Airfield in Bedfordshire, UK.

The UK’s Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV) is currently evaluating the damage to the Airlander 10 prototype aircraft.

A statement posted on the HAV website read: “Both pilots and the ground crew are safe and well, and the aircraft is secured and stable at its normal mooring location. 

“Hybrid Air Vehicles runs a robust set of procedures for flight test activities and investigation of issues. 

“Hybrid Air Vehicles runs a robust set of procedures for flight test activities and investigation of issues."

“We will be running through these in the days ahead as we continue the development of the Airlander aircraft.”

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The 302ft-long aircraft recently completed its maiden test flight, marking the start of Airlander 10’s flight test programme that is expected to continue for the next couple of months.

Following the completion of the programme, the aircraft will start a series of trials and demonstrations sessions with prospective customers.

HAV noted that the company’s Airlander range of hybrid aircraft is already being used in the UK Government’s ‘Great Britain’ campaign.

Airlanders can take off and land in a short distance from unprepared territories in desert, ice and water as well as open field environments. The aircraft are low on noise and pollution while being environmentally friendly.

Image: Airlander 10 crash-landed at Cardington Airfield in Bedfordshire, UK. Photo: courtesy of Hybrid Air Vehicles.