Gas Turbine Engine Accident Investigation

This specialized accident investigation course is directed to fixed wing turbojet and turboprop as well as turbine powered rotary wing aircraft. The course examines specific turbine engine investigation methods and provides technical information in the related area of material factors and metallurgical failure investigation. This is a fundamental accident investigation course. Individuals with many years of engine investigations may find this course too basic. It is assumed that the attendee has a basic understanding of jet engines.

Objectives: To provide the participant with the basic skills and knowledge to effectively examine the involvement of a turbine engine in an aircraft accident.

Who Should Attend: Individuals with responsibility for the post-accident examination of gas turbine engines and individuals responsible for integration of engine information into the total accident investigation.

Course Outline

1. Aviation Gas Turbine Engine Accident Investigation
       Types of Gas Turbine Engines
       Mounting of Turbine Engines
       Major Components
       Controls and Accessories
       Related and Interfacing Aircraft Components
       Engine Operating Characteristics
       Potential In-Flight Engine Occurrences
       Role of the Investigator
       Best Practices in Investigations
       Documentation of Physical Evidence
       Investigation of Incidents
       Investigation at the Accident Site
       Engine Disassembly Investigation
       Engine Operation Speed at Terrain Impact
       Engine Uncontained Components
       Engine Fire
       Documentation
2. Material Factors
       Investigation Procedures
       Basic Metallurgy of Gas Turbine Materials
       Failure Analysis – Fundamentals and Mechanical Factors
       Failure Analysis – Fracture Mechanisms
       Engine Component Investigation Examples
3. Case Study