Has anybody suggested that there may have been a metalurgical defect within the body of the oxygen cylinder?
Although defects like this are supposed to be picked up in NDI inspections during manufacture of bottles,its not improbable.
If I remember correctly,this is what happened to a DC-10 engine turbine wheel in the mid 80's.There was a defect subsequently missed numerous times during manufacture and normal overhaul NDI,that eventually failed and destroyed the engine and thus the aircraft.
Any one with experience in manufacture/overhaul of oxygen bottles think this is plausible?