
Dedicated to Aircraft Accident Investigation and Improving Air Safety

316-734-5016
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 ...
1. Perspectives on Investigations and Investigators
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Basic anatomy of an accident and its reconstruction
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Why are aircraft accidents investigated?
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The human factors aspect
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Requirements to become an investigator
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Generalists and specialists
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“Heavy iron” versus most general aviation investigators
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When consultants/experts become involved
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Space is the next frontier
2. Back to Basics
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Physical evidence is King
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Close calls
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One piece at a time
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Scientific method
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Nine-box matrix
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Consider even the absurd
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Consequences of incomplete and inaccurate findings
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Summary of lessons learned
3. On-Scene Investigation
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Before the investigation team arrived?
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Basic investigation gear
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Safety considerations
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Emotional considerations
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Accident scene documentation
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Wreckage layout and recovery
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Exemplar aircraft inspections
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Tips on photo documentation
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Occupant injuries
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Witness interviews and statements
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Understanding the news media
4. “Kickin Tin”
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Wreckage distribution
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Airframe structural damage
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Cable-driven flight control trim tab systems
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Electric motor-driven actuators
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Propeller damage and blade deformation
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Turbine engine damage
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Cockpit instrumentation
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Who was flying the aircraft?
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Basic failure analysis of metal
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Basic composite failure analysis
5. Crashworthiness Analysis
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Implementing crashworthiness investigations
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Aircraft design expectations
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Crash load evaluation
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Using g-load survivability limits to look deeper
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Emergency egress issues
6. In-Flight Breakups
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Behavior of separated and falling parts
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Piecing the wreckage together
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Flutter
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Aircraft performance
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Human factors causing loss of control
7. Mid-Air Collisions
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Pilot awareness
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See and avoid issues
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Structural impact and scratch marks
8. Fire and Explosions
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General aspects of aircraft fires
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Post-impact and ground fires
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In-flight fires
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Determining origin of fires
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Types of aircraft explosions
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Damage caused by detonation
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Damage caused by deflagration