Exploding 109 bug - what happens in the cockpit?

[ReconNZ]

Hey all

Last night on ATAG at least 2 109's ignited in front of me in those huge pretty fireballs, only to then fly out the other side again. I know this is nothing new, I'm just keen to understand what this is like from the 109 drivers side?

Are you aware when your plane fireballs? What damage does it cause? I heard it ignites all your fuel, is this true? I think i was eventually credited for the kills, but not sure if the fireball damages you so much that you can't get home? the 109's certainly seemed ok to keep flying, (though they were smoking a bit).

So do you guys know when your planes erupt into 4th of July fireballs?