Originally Posted by
EasternATC
I don't believe the airplane was shot down, but I do believe it was destroyed by foul play. It is odd that in the millions of hours flown by the Classic fleet up until that time--in identical fuel configuration--that no hint of such trouble had been seen before.
There's a first time for everything...the 747 was just turning 30 about then. Who knows how many similar incidents were prevented down the line by changed operating procedures and inerting systems?