Yes powdered aluminum is used in solid propellant rockets it is finely divided & thoroughly mixed with a solid oxidizer & the two components are ignited if the mixture is wrong you get a fizzle .
Sometimes called a thermite reaction.
Ya know that sounds highly plauseable aided by the jet fuel which probably burst the oxygen tanks.
Powdered alumium and powdered rust with an oxidizer= thermit.
Potassium cloride and finely powdered aluminmum equal parts =flash powder. Solid magnesium burns hot (and bright)so will aluminum if flaked and it gets hot enough ,....