Shades Of TWA 800?

The National Transportation Safety Board announced Wednesday it is sending a team of investigators to Bangalore, India, to assist in the investigation of a reported left wing fuel tank explosion on a Transmile Airlines B727-200.

The incident involving the Malaysia-registered airplane occurred May 4, 2006, during a ground repositioning.  There were no passengers on board, and no injuries were reported.

"The tragic TWA 800 accident in 1996 highlighted the vulnerability of transport aircraft fuel tanks," said NTSB Acting Chairman Mark V. Rosenker.  "A decade later, the issue remains a major concern of the Safety Board and is on our Most Wanted List of Safety Improvements.  I am hopeful what is learned in this investigation may provide added impetus for a resolution of this problem without further delay. "

The NTSB team will be led by Lorenda Ward, the U.S. Accredited Representative. She will be joined by three Safety Board specialists in systems, structures and fire/explosions, plus representatives of the FAA and the Boeing corporation.

All information on the progress of the investigation will be released by the Directorate of Civil Aviation of India.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov, http://dgca.nic.in/, www.transmile.com