Believe it or not, my alternative theory is the official theory. And believe me, it took me a while to arrive at that. But I do believe it is the most plausible explanation.
My own father at first didn't believe it. He was a union aircraft mechanic, turned supervisor, turned maintenance manager at JFK through his career. His specialty was the 747, 767 and A300. But our discussions were when it was the "static electricity" theory which ignited the tank. I never spoke to him after learning about the mixed voltages in the cable and the faulty level indicator. Too late to talk to him now.
Still, I definitely buy the overheated fuel from two hours of running the AC unit (located under the tank) and the spark from the chaffing wires over any US Navy shootdown and cover up theory. Especially considering that other Boeing planes have exploded similarly prior to and after flight 800.
That type of aircraft had sat on tarmacs in the
Middle-Eastern region in 120 plus temperatures
with no problems. The idea it’s air-conditioning units
had become over heated is nothing if not silly.
Those mechanisms that reportedly failed were swapped
out and inspected. I don’t believe any could be found
that were on the verge of failing.
Then you have all the witnesses, some of them ex-military
that knew what missiles look like, and swore they observed
a missile.
I’m not an airline employee. My thoughts are my own
personal opinions that I have to justify to myself, not
just others.
I looked at who agreed with me, to see if I was out-there
or not. Witnesses, airline pilots, industry insiders, and
one person with aircraft investigation experience, found
the explanation provided to be absolutely absurd.
I’ve never been tempted by that explanation. I never will
be.
Please allow me to take part in your interesting conversation.
“the “static electricity” theory”
If I may say, this can never happen in a nitrogen-padded fuel tank, in inert atmosphere (no oxygen.) I wrote to Boeing at the time inquiring about the subject, I got no answer, however, I still assume that a nitrogen pad is in place.
With no oxygen in the tank, fuel vapor/nitrogen mixture will never ignite unless the tank ruptures and available sparks through static electricity or faulty wires or any other source.
“Still, I definitely buy the overheated fuel from two hours of running the AC unit (located under the tank) and the spark from the chaffing wires “
The low pressure nitrogen pad, say at a few inches of WC will prevent any sparks from igniting, as I mentioned above.
Flying the plane will cause very cool air (in the summer) at a high velocity to cool the A/C unit and the fuel tank almost immediately when the plain is gaining altitude. Heat input will have no effect on a huge amount of fuel, in a small heat transfer area of the tank.