Scientific analysis methods applied to an investigation of an aircraft accident

This paper describes and discusses the scientific and technical approaches used to assist the investigation of a major accident involving a Royal Australian Navy helicopter. This investigation was a particularly complex one which required transportation of the wreckage from a site in Indonesia, at the end of the on-site investigation, to laboratories in Australia for detailed assessment. The paper will describe the key activities and conclusions from the laboratory investigation, and will highlight a number of unusual features of this investigation process to ensure a thorough search for small but potentially significant parts, including measures taken to comply with quarantine requirements without losing valuable items, the remelting of wreckage, and an exhaustive program of sifting.