Abstract: In order to investigate the reason for collapse of a 100 m³ aviation kerosene storage tank in Xinjiang, eigenvalue buckling analysis and nonlinear buckling analysis were conducted with the numerical simulation technology based on the finite element model(FEM) of a high-order shell unit, and the collapse mechanism of small aviation kerosene was discussed in detail. According to the operation parameters of the tank, the bearing capacity of negative pressure was determined for the tank, and through modal analysis, its ultimate bearing capacity of negative pressure was determined for the tank without any defect. The deformation and stress distribution of the tank under various working conditions were compared, and the ultimate bearing capacity of negative pressure for the defective tank was determined. The study shows that only the negative pressure itself could not have led to the collapse of tank, but the initial defect together with the negative pressure caused by unsmooth breathing could result in collapse of tank. Additionally, the ventilation rate of the breathing valve at the moment the tank collapses can be determined based on the critical load. The study results could provide reference for the repair and subsequent safe operation of the tank.