Incident Overview
Date: Friday 11 May 1990
Aircraft Type: Boeing 737-3Y0
Owner/operator: Philippine Air Lines
Registration Number: EI-BZG
Location: Manila-Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) –
ÿ Philippines
Phase of Flight: Pushback / towing
Status: Destroyed, written off
Casualties: Fatalities: 8 / Occupants: 120
Component Affected: Center wing fuel tankCenter wing fuel tank
Category: Accident
A Boeing 737 aircraft experienced a catastrophic fire following a sudden explosion in its center fuel tank at Manila Airport. Ambient air temperatures were high, and the air conditioning packs had been running for approximately 30-45 minutes prior to the incident. The center wing fuel tank, not filled since March 9, 1990, contained residual fuel vapors, leading to a violent upward movement of the cabin floor. A powerful explosion caused the tank to rupture, resulting in flames and subsequent fire. No evidence of a bomb, incendiary device, or detonator was found.A Boeing 737 aircraft experienced a catastrophic fire following a sudden explosion in its center fuel tank at Manila Airport. Ambient air temperatures were high, and the air conditioning packs had been running for approximately 30-45 minutes prior to the incident. The center wing fuel tank, not filled since March 9, 1990, contained residual fuel vapors, leading to a violent upward movement of the cabin floor. A powerful explosion caused the tank to rupture, resulting in flames and subsequent fire. No evidence of a bomb, incendiary device, or detonator was found.
Description
Ambient air temperatures were high – 95øF (35øC) – as the Boeing 737 was parked at Manila Airport. The air conditioning packs, located beneath the center wing fuel tank, had been running on the ground before pushback for approximately 30 to 45 minutes. The center wing fuel tank, which had not been filled since March 9, 1990, probably still contained some fuel vapors. Shortly after pushback a powerful explosion in the center fuel tank pushed the cabin floor violently upwards. The wing tanks ruptured, causing the Boeing to burst into flames. The vapors ignited probably due to damaged wiring, because no bomb, incendiary device or detonator has been found.
Primary Cause
Faulty air conditioning pack operation and residual fuel vapors within the center wing fuel tank.Faulty air conditioning pack operation and residual fuel vapors within the center wing fuel tank.Share on:
