Today in aviation history – 17th October

On 17th October 1913 German airship Zeppelin L-2 burned down near Johannisthal in Germany. 28 people died. Zeppelin L-2 was the biggest flying machine at that time. It was also the first airship that could cross Atlantic Ocean and get to America.
On 17th October 1998 died Polish sports pilot Janusz Kasperek. He was born on 21st December 1960 in London. He was a director of aero club in Świdnica and a captain of Polish Airlines LOT. He won Polish championships in aerial stunts 14 times and 3 times in world championships. He was chosen sportsman of the year in 1996 and was ordered with the Order of Polonia Restituta.