Today’s accident happened on just the second test flight for Airlander as she returned to her Cardington, Bedford home base.
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The 92-metre long aircraft was damaged during the flight from Cardington Airfield in Bedfordshire.
Hybrid Air Vehicles, which is developing Airlander 10, issued a statement on Facebook: “We’re debriefing following the second test flight this morning”.
Manufacturer Hybrid Air Vehicles said no-one was injured.
The aircraft – measuring 302ft-long (92m) – is reported to have been damaged at both its front and sides. “All crew are safe and well and there are no injuries”.
HAV, the developer, has not yet commented on the collision.
It was first developed for the U.S. government as a long-endurance surveillance aircraft but it fell foul of defence cutbacks.
The Hybrid Air Vehicles says it can reach 16,000 feet (4,900 meters), travel at up to 90 miles per hour (148 kph) and stay aloft for up to two weeks.
The makers hoped the successful first test flight would be the start of a series which would ultimately allow a manned aircraft to remain airborne for around five days.
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Engineers have spent three years working on the Airlander 10, which is filled with 1.3million cubic feet of helium – enough to fill 15 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
