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This webpage is under construction. Education is one of our cornerstones; therefore, this page will be intended to provide some helpful insight into what we're all about. As a matter of fact, we've published a book through SAE International titled, "Basic Science and Art of Aircraft Wreckage Reconstruction" (https://www.sae.org/publications/books/content/r-480/) - here's the chapter/section listing ...

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1.    Perspectives on Investigations and Investigators 

•   Basic anatomy of an accident and its reconstruction

•   Why are aircraft accidents investigated? 

•   The human factors aspect

•   Requirements to become an investigator

•   Generalists and specialists

•   “Heavy iron” versus most general aviation investigators 

•   When consultants/experts become involved

•   Space is the next frontier

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2.    Back to Basics 

•   Physical evidence is King

•   Close calls 

•   One piece at a time

•   Scientific method 

•   Nine-box matrix 

•   Consider even the absurd 

•   Consequences of incomplete and inaccurate findings

•   Summary of lessons learned

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3.    On-Scene Investigation 

•   Before the investigation team arrived? 

•   Basic investigation gear 

•   Safety considerations 

•   Emotional considerations 

•   Accident scene documentation 

•   Wreckage layout and recovery

•   Exemplar aircraft inspections 

•   Tips on photo documentation 

•   Occupant injuries 

•   Witness interviews and statements 

•   Understanding the news media 

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4.    “Kickin Tin” 

•   Wreckage distribution 

•   Airframe structural damage 

•   Cable-driven flight control trim tab systems

•   Electric motor-driven actuators

•   Propeller damage and blade deformation 

•   Turbine engine damage

•   Cockpit instrumentation 

•   Who was flying the aircraft? 

•   Basic failure analysis of metal 

•   Basic composite failure analysis 

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5.    Crashworthiness Analysis 

•   Implementing crashworthiness investigations 

•   Aircraft design expectations 

•   Crash load evaluation 

•   Using g-load survivability limits to look deeper 

•   Emergency egress issues 

 

6.    In-Flight Breakups 

•   Behavior of separated and falling parts 

•   Piecing the wreckage together 

•   Flutter 

•   Aircraft performance 

•   Human factors causing loss of control 

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7.    Mid-Air Collisions 

•   Pilot awareness 

•   See and avoid issues

•   Structural impact and scratch marks 

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8.    Fire and Explosions

•   General aspects of aircraft fires

•   Post-impact and ground fires

•   In-flight fires

•   Determining origin of fires

•   Types of aircraft explosions

•   Damage caused by detonation

•   Damage caused by deflagration

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