[fso301]

The reason is simple: did the investigators find the blast pattern and remains of a MANPAD warhead anywhere on the plane? Given that each type of MANPAD has a distinct warhead detonation pattern (whether it's Stinger, SA-7, SA-18, Blowpipe, etc.), the fact that NONE of these blast patterns--let alone the explosive residue from the warhead itself--was found on the remains of TWA 800 rules out a missile attack.

An egg sized incendiary device dropped into the fuel tank by a fuel loader could explain the lack of evidence. The fuel acted as a solvent that slowly dissolved a barrier in the incediary device. Once dissolved, the device would ignite.

[cpdiii]

"An egg sized incendiary device dropped into the fuel tank by a fuel loader could explain the lack of evidence. The fuel acted as a solvent that slowly dissolved a barrier in the incendiary device. Once dissolved, the device would ignite." A shoe bomber standing over the center fuel tank would also do the trick.