1925: The Navy’s dirigible, USS Shenandoah, collapsed in a storm over Ava, Ohio, killing 14 of 43 passengers, including Lt Cmdr. Zachary Lansdowne, the commander. The event later led Brig Gen William “Billy” Mitchell to charge the War and Navy Departments with incompetency and an almost treasonable administration of the national defense. In response to that charge, President Calvin Coolidge ordered Mitchell’s court-martial. (US Navy Image, PD)
