Maybe they should think about including this area in pre-flight inspections, just a thought. I suppose it depends on how easily the gear door can be lowered.

Having read the report and looking at the cause, had a fire started it would have been uncontrollable, and I don't think anyone would have made it back, frightening really.

Superb scientific analysis.

Curiously enough, the A330, a similar size a/c for those not of an anorak disposition, does include a 'doors open inspection' (at least on an etops check.)

It is possible that it is an airline requirement not a AMS one, I am not sure.

M.Mouse thank you for your support, maybe we could arrange for you to carry out the experiment where you sit on a hot brake unit and start a fire and then we heat the adjacent open fuel tank to see if the fire goes out :rolleyes:

Photo of the aircraft has now appeared on airliners.net at

http://www.airliners.net/open.file/718331/M/