Aussie pilot dies in zeppelin fire

A zeppelin pilot, killed in Germany when his aircraft exploded and plummeted to earth in a fiery crash, has been named as a NSW man.

The 52-year-old who died on Sunday near Friedberg close to Frankfurt, has been named by News Limited publications as Michael Nerandzic, from Balgownie, a suburb of Wollongong.

The Australian Embassy in Berlin confirmed the death and that the man's family has been informed, but said his name is yet to be officially released.

"Consular officials have confirmed the death of a 52-year-old NSW man," a Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) spokesman told AAP.

The man is believed to have been born in the United Kingdom, but more recently has lived in the Illawarra.

"He was the pilot of the aircraft. Three other passengers escaped the aircraft prior to it being engulfed in flames," the spokesman said.

Sydney's Daily Telegraph newspaper hailed Mr Nerandzic a hero for ordering his three passengers -- journalists on a return trip to a music festival -- to jump from the Goodyear blimp.

The newspaper report said that on learning the ship was on fire, Mr Nerandzic lowered the zeppelin so his passengers could jump to safety, which in turn reduced the aircraft's weight causing it to shoot upwards where it exploded in a "fireball" before crashing to earth.

"Consular officials have been in touch with the man's family and are providing them with consular assistance," the DFAT spokesman said.

The Airship was owned and operated by Lightship Europe Limited which issued a statement shortly after the crash confirming the pilot's death.

Local authorities have launched an investigation into the crash.

The zeppelin had been making a promotional flight and was carrying a photographer from Germany's Bild magazine and two RTL television journalists.

- AAP