Date:	Friday 11 May 1990
Time:
Type:	Boeing 737-3Y0
Owner/operator:	Philippine Air Lines
Registration:	EI-BZG
MSN:	24466/1771
Year of manufacture:	1989
Engine model:	CFMI CFM56-3B1
Fatalities:	Fatalities: 8 / Occupants: 120
Aircraft damage:	Destroyed, written off
Category:	Accident
Location:	Manila-Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) -   Philippines
Phase:	Pushback / towing
Nature:	Passenger - Scheduled
Departure airport:	Manila-Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL/RPLL)
Destination airport:	Iloilo-Mandurriao Airport (ILO/RPVI)
Confidence Rating:	Information verified through data from accident investigation authorities

Narrative:
Ambient air temperatures were high - 95°F (35°C) - as the Boeing 737 was parked at Manila Airport. The air conditioning packs, located beneath the center wing fuel tank, had been running on the ground before pushback for approximately 30 to 45 minutes. The center wing fuel tank, which had not been filled since March 9, 1990, probably still contained some fuel vapors. Shortly after pushback a powerful explosion in the center fuel tank pushed the cabin floor violently upwards. The wing tanks ruptured, causing the Boeing to burst into flames. The vapors ignited probably due to damaged wiring, because no bomb, incendiary device or detonator has been found.

Investigation Report B737-300 / PR143, 11 May 1990 Manila, Philippines (preliminary findings)
NTSB safety recommendations A-90-100/103

photo (c) via Werner Fischdick; Seattle-Boeing Field International Airport, WA (BFI); October 1989

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