The official explanation for the explosion and subsequent crash of TWA Flight 800 is that an explosive fuel/air mixture was created in one of the aircraft 's fuel tanks . Faulty wiring then provided an ignition source within the tank , destroying the airliner . While the accuracy of the official findings is still questioned in this case , similar explosions have occurred in other aircraft . It is possible to reduce the chance of fuel tank explosions by a fuel tank inerting system or fire fighting foam in the tanks
TWA Flight 800
TWA Flight 800
Aircraft fuel tanks