[_Jim]

Ferris: Center wing fuel tanks on 747's don't just "blow up"...

RBA: Exactly.

Have there ever been any recorded instances of fuel tank explosions?

What would be possible contributing factors to a fuel tank explosion - that is to say:

are there any wires external to the tank that run *into* the tank?

[Free Vulcan]

magical bombs and magical wires. Behold the Great Debunker.

[RedBloodedAmerican]

That I know of, none, although I think there has been one years ago, but was not the fault of wiring. I do not have a reference, but I have seen it on the NTSB website.

Yes there are wires running into and out of the tanks. I will see if I can scrounge up an old Boeing book and scan a diagram for you.

[Fred Mertz]

Get lost.

[Triple]

Have you given up on your, "releasing cargo door caused the whole thing," conspiracy theory?

[eazdzit]

You asked....."are there any wires external to the tank that run *into* the tank? "

I doubt it. Who claims that they do(a name please)? What purpose would they serve? Last but not least, how about a wager?