TWA Crash: 'New Evidence' Of Missile Strike

Calls have been made for a new inquiry into the 1996 crash of a TWA jet off the coast of New York amid fresh claims that a missile was involved.

TWA Flight 800 came down just minutes after taking off from JFK airport, killing all 230 people on board.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) concluded that a centre fuel tank explosion, sparked by faulty wiring, was to blame.

However, former investigators now say that new evidence points to the often-discounted theory that a missile had been fired at the aircraft, which was destined for Paris.

The investigators raise doubts about the NTSB's findings in a documentary out next month to coincide with the 17th anniversary of the crash.

In a petition seeking to reopen the probe, they say they have "reviewed the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) radar evidence along with new evidence not available to the NTSB during the official investigation".

Those calling for a review of the investigation include former NTSB accident investigator Hank Hughes and Bob Young, a former senior accident investigator for the now-defunct airline.

Tom Stalcup, a physicist and co-founder of a group called Flight 800 Independent Researchers Organisation, also questions the NTSB's original findings and is featured prominently in the documentary.

The NTSB said it was aware of the documentary.

Agency spokeswoman Kelly Nantel said: "All petitions for reconsideration are thoroughly reviewed, and a determination is usually made within about 60 days."

She added: "While the NTSB rarely re-investigates issues that have already been examined, our investigations are never closed and we can review any new information not previously considered by the board."

Ms Nantel noted the TWA Flight 800 investigation lasted four years.

"Investigators took great care reviewing, documenting and analysing facts and data and held a five-day hearing to gather additional facts before determining the probable cause of the accident during a two-day board meeting," she said.

The former investigators calling for a new probe contend that the testimony of more than 200 witnesses who reported seeing streaks of light headed toward the plane should be reconsidered.

The NTSB said after the first investigation that it found no evidence of a missile strike.

It explained that what witnesses saw was probably the jet pitching upward in the first few moments after the explosion, but some witnesses still maintain that the streak of light they saw came from the waterline.

John Seaman, the leader of an organisation of TWA 800 victims' families, said there have been several attempts over the years to reopen the investigation.

"Unless something was to develop that would be very clear and compelling, then a lot of these interested parties are not really helpful," said Mr Seaman, whose niece died on the flight.

"They reopen wounds," he said of the petitioners. "Personally I can't keep going over it again and again. I think most families feel that way."