[pfflier]

For what it's worth, I believe someone pointed out earlier that the plane was at 13,000 feet. I believe at 10,000 feet a source of pressurized air is required for passengers.

Ask a WWII B-17 vet if the plane can burn and explode at 30,000 feet...(hint hell yes it can).

[DiogenesLamp]

Ask a WWII B-17 vet if the plane can burn and explode at 30,000 feet...(hint hell yes it can).

B-17s used 87 octane gasoline. Quite a bit more ignitable than Jet A.

The Wright R-1820 radial engine had a 7 to 1 compressor to boost pressure, plus the compression pressure of the engine. You had a very well developed ignition source right there.