THE LOSS OF HMS DASHER

[aurora]

On March 27, 1943, HMS Dasher,an American built CVE, was heading up the Firth of Clyde. Having completed a number of deck landing exercises during the day, her aircraft were being refuelled, and much of the crew were below deck, making ready for shore leave on arrival at Greenock. Her fuel tanks contained some 75,000 gallons (340,947 l) of aviation fuel, with six torpedoes and 104 depth charges on board.

Shortly after 4:40 pm, two massive explosions aft threw the aircraft lift into the air (witnesses estimate up to 60 feet) and caused the immediate loss of main engine, electrical power, and lighting below deck. Attempts to fight the resultant fire proved unsuccessful and the ship was abandoned. A number of vessel diverted immediately to assist, but the effect of the initial blast was immense, described as having peeled the flight back for half its length like a sardine can. Those not killed in the explosion faced the two extremes of hypothermia and exposure in the cold water of the Clyde in March, or of being engulfed in flames as petrol and diesel spilled from wrecked carrier caught light. By 4:48 pm, the ship was gone, leaving only 149 survivors to be recovered to Ardrossan and Greenock.

Although there were initial rumours that the loss was caused by enemy mine or torpedo, the Court of Enquiry held three days later revealed no evidence for an external cause of the explosion, which was seen as being caused by the ignition of petrol vapour. The inadequate safety provisions in ships of this class were noted and numerous detailed amendments to standard operating procedures were proposed. These included the reduction by half of the quantity of aviation fuel carried, modification to the fuel distribution system, and the fitting of asbestos fire curtains within the hangar, in accordance with British practice.

[paulcadogan]

the Court of Enquiry held three days later revealed no evidence for an external cause of the explosion, which was seen as being caused by the ignition of petrol vapour.

Wow! This might be stretching it, but I can't help but think...seems the cause of this loss did not filter through to the modern passenger aircraft industry....TWA Flight 800 in 1996......

[aurora]

I talked about this tragedy to a survivor in 2012; and he told me that the whole ship reeked of aviation fuel-smoking was prohibited below decks and he was sitting having a smoke near the forward AA gun,when he was blown over the side-he suspected an odd fag end dropped carelessly on the deck- could have landed below decks via a vent

[aurora]

In answer to your post Paul- I have been digging around and found the undermentioned

THE THAI Government, Boeing and the US National Transportation Safety Board are investigating a 737-400 centre wing tank explosion at Don Muang airport, Thailand, on 3 March 2001.The explosion killed one and injured seven. Investigators suspect dry operation of centre fuel tank pumps, but are also examining air conditioning units located under the tanks, a similar theory to the investigation of the destruction of TWA Flight 800 on 17 July 1996.

Boeing has reiterated its recommendations on fuel pump operation,and CASA and the US Federal Aviation Administration have issued airworthiness directives in response.
From 10 May 2001, CASA requires the centre fuel tank pump switches in all 737 series aircraft to be turned off while on the ground unless fuel exceeds 1,000 pounds,except when defuelling or transferring.
(AD/B737/152 refers.)