Boeing Seeks Inspections of 747 Fuel Tanks

Boeing Co. is asking airlines to inspect the center fuel tanks of their 747 jumbo jetliners as part of the investigation into the explosion of TWA Flight 800 off Long Island, N.Y., last July. The cause of the crash has yet to be determined, but federal investigators say an explosion ripped apart Flight 800’s center wing tank. Boeing wants to determine if any changes in the tanks or procedures are needed, said Doug Webb, a spokesman at the Seattle-based company. Ten aircraft have already been inspected and no problems have been found, Webb said. More than 1,000 747s--the largest commercial aircraft still being made--are in service.