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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"  (2nd Edition) - here's the chapter/section listing ...

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Chapter 1 - Perspectives on Investigations and Investigators

• Basic Anatomy of an Accident and Its Reconstruction

• Investigation Methodologies for Accidents/ Failures

• Digging Deeper into System Safety

• Why Are Aircraft Accidents Investigated?

• The Human Factor Aspect

• Requirements to Become an Investigator

• Generalists and Specialists

• “Heavy Iron” versus Most General Aviation (GA) Investigators

• When Consultants/Experts Become Involved

• Burden of Proof during a Lawsuit

• Space Is the Next Frontier

 

Chapter 2 - Back to Basics

• Physical Evidence Is King

• Close Calls

• One Piece at a Time

• The Scientific Method

• Nine-Box Matrix

• Consider Even the Absurd

• Consequences of Incomplete and Inaccurate Findings

• Summary of Lessons Learned

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Chapter 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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Chapter 4 - “Kickin Tin”

• Wreckage Distribution

• Airframe Structural Damage

• Cable-Driven Flight Control Trim Tab Systems

• Electric Motor-Driven Actuators

• Propeller Blade Impact Damage

• Turbine Engine Damage

• Cockpit Instrumentation

• Who Was Flying the Aircraft?

• Leaking Air or Fluid Lines

• Basic Failure Analysis of Metal

• Basic Composite Failure Analysis

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Chapter 5 - Crashworthiness Analysis

• Implementing Crashworthiness Investigations

• Aircraft Design Expectations

• Crash Load Evaluation

• Using G-Load Survivability Limits to Look Deeper

• Emergency Egress Issues

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Chapter 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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Chapter 7 - Mid-Air Collisions

• Pilot Awareness

• See-and-Avoid Issues

• Structural Impact and Scratch Marks

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Chapter 8 - Fire and Explosions

• General Aspects of Aircraft Fires

• General Fire Investigation Objectives

• 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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