Board of Enquiry
Quote from RAF BoI page 25
"...the Board has concluded that the explosive separation of XV179's wing was caused by the ignition of the fuel/air mix in the number 4 fuel tank ullage. Furthermore, the Board concluded that the lack of a suppression system within the fuel tank, such as foam or inert gas, was a contributory factor."
The other Hercules hit by small arms fire 6 months before had just been fully refuelled with cold fuel. These two facts probably saved the lives of that crew. I am trying to save lives. This is what this whole thing is about. Politicians do not seem to care, neither seemingly do some members of HM Forces.
The BoI never released the information on the size of the projectile(s) that brought down XV179. It was deemed too sensitive.
Last edited by nigegilb; 24th Apr 2006 at 21:13.