Simulation, assessment and technical conclusions from a major accident investigation

This paper is the third in a series which describes and discusses the scientific and technical analysis used to assist the investigation of a major accident involving a Royal Australian Navy helicopter. This particular investigation was a particularly complex one that required transportation of the wreckage from the crash site in Indonesia, at the end of the on-site investigation, to laboratories in Australia for detailed assessment. This paper describes the simulations used to assist the investigation, and the technical conclusions reached about the loss of control of the aircraft. Finally the paper outlines the sequence of events which occurred during the accident, and discusses some key issues involved in the formal investigative processes associated with the Board of Inquiry, and the lessons learned in the process. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.