TWA flight 800 - Research Paper Example

The technology leading to the case was the location of the plane, possible electrical arcing, and auto-ignition. The investigations were led by the NTSB and FBI, who disapproved the bomb and the missile theory. The findings include that the defective condition of the wiring could have caused the ignition of the fuel vapor at the central tank. Recommendation presented include that the central tank should be kept full and that air conditioners should be relocated or insulated from the tank. Impacts on engineering include change to continual review of the aircraft’s hardware.

Abstract……………………………………………………………………………………….….1 Table of Contents…………………………………………………………………………….…..2 List of figures…………………….……………………………………………………………..3 List of Figures…………………………………………………………………………………….3 1. . .…13 2.3 Recommendations……………………………………………………………….…14 3. IMPACT ON ENGINEERING PRACTICES……………………………………………..….15 4. CONCLUSION…………………………………………………………………………….…16 5. WORKS CITED………………………………………………………………………………17 LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1.

1 Image of the TWA Flight 800 before the explosion: www.stat.ucla.edu, 1996 Figure 1.2 Image of the TWA Flight 800 after the explosion (a CIA explosion) www.washingtonpost.com, January 1997 Figure 1.1 Image of the TWA Flight 800 showing the position of the central fuel tank www.elvis.engr.wisc.edu, 1997 Figure 1.3 Image of the TWA Flight 800 showing the position of the central fuel tank www.elvis.engr.wisc.edu, 1997 1. INTRODUCTION Twenty minutes after its take off from the JKF international Airport at New York – on July 17, 1996 – TWA Flight 800 exploded.

The plane was heading to Paris. During the clash, all the 230 passengers aboard the plane died from the explosion. The cause of death for the passengers – as explained by medical specialists – was the phenomenal whiplash of the flames after the explosion of the central fuel tank (Flanner 4). This report presents the general theories explaining the causes of the explosion – including the bomb and the missile theory as well as the conditions of the central fuel tank, which may have led to the explosion.

The paper will discuss the investigation of the explosion, the findings after inquiry and the recommendations developed. The impact of these findings on engineering practices will also be reviewed. Figure 1.1 Image of the TWA Flight 800 before the explosion www.stat.ucla.edu,