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in particular, the partitioning bulkhead between tanks 6 and 7 was found, in pieCes of conciderable Size, at the beginning of the path of fall. The structural parts of the left side of tank No. 7 (reference points 0-65.S) were, however, found in several pieces, damaged by the impact and by fire, Under the fuselage at Olgiate Clone.
Of particular significance was the examination of the intake plpe (Psi. h78301) of tank No. 7, which was found about one kilometer away, up course and NE of the right wing (see Annexes 31-5).
This pipe had been literally split open by great internal pressure; the examination of the ends of the pipe and of the corresponding connection points on the partition bulkhead between tanks 6 and 7 and on the Wing panel constituting
the top of tank No. 6, disclosed that the pipe had been subject to outward stress and that, before that stress was exerted, both the partition bulkhead and the wing panel were at their pr0per places and in a normal position.
All parts listed above, without exception, belonging to the area of tank No 6 and the right Side of tank No. '7, were found along the path of fall of the wreckage, perfectly clean and free from traces or indications of fire. A careful examination of these parts did not disclose any trace of electric discharges.
11.2. .2 Fuselgg
The main wreckage (fuselage, left wing and engine No. 3)
fell to the ground in flames, the nose and the stump of the right wing striking the ground first as indicated by the very considerable crushing of the entire right Side of the fuselage, especially in the front area, near the nose of the plane.
All the structural parts of the fuselage and the left wing, which were found and recovered, had been badly crushed, twisted and torn by the impact with the ground and most of them had also suffered damage of varying degree from fire, both in flight and on the ground.
As we have already said, the fuselage was carefully reconstructed, on the ground, at the Gallarate Central Depot, where the
various pieces were first identified and then arranged in
their proper order. At the time of their identification the various pieces were closely examined with a View to finding evidence of breakdowns, loss of parts in flight, damage from
fire, or from collision, or from explosion of dances, etc.,
which might in any manner haVe happened during the planes
flight pI‘lOI‘ to its disintegration.
Particular care was exercised in inspecting the cargo compart- ments in order to ascertain whether any fire or explosion from
explosive dances had occurred there.
