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Functionality Mistakes Throughout History That Were Way Too Expensive to Fix

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99. The Catastrophic Demise of the R101 Airship

Year: 1929
Location: Allone, France
Company: Royal Airship Works, V.C. Richmond
Estimated Damage Value: $58.34 million*

In 1929, the R101 airship disaster in Allone, France, marked the end of British airship advancement, with a loss valued at $58.34 million. Despite rigorous tests, the tragedy took 48 lives, showcasing overlooked warning signs.

The R101 struggled with bad weather, especially rain affecting its ballast tanks. Despite a clear initial forecast, a storm with rain and gusts doomed its journey. It crashed in Allone, France, at 13MPH, failing to reach its destination.