Safety and Accident Investigation MSc

• Dr Leigh Dunn

To provide accident investigators with the fundamental knowledge and skills to conduct a general transport accident investigation.

a) Accident response and management




1. Accident response (contact: 10 / private study: 30)


Investigation case studies exercise and debrief
Roles and responsibilities of different interested parties
Accident notification processes
Deployment considerations
Investigation site management and procedures
Health and safety at the accident site
Initial appraisal of land- and sea-based sites 



2. Investigation management (contact: 10 / private study: 30)


The purpose of safety investigations
Regulatory requirements
Group system of investigation
Managing high-profile, complex and large investigations
Accident pathology
Working with the media
Liaising with victims and families
Court procedures for investigators



b) Conduct of an investigation




1. Evidence collection (contact: 25 / private study: 50)


Defining evidence
Evidence within the investigation process
Types of evidence
Principles of identifying and recording of evidence
Evidence harvesting and preservation
Wreckage and evidence photography
Site survey techniques, including remote site surveys and underwater surveys
Investigative interviewing techniques
Working with data recorders and other sources of electronic data, including different types of memory
Understanding crashworthiness and survivability issues 



2. Human factors in accidents (contact: 8 / private study: 15)


Human factors aspects in accident investigation
Passenger behaviour



3. Analysis of evidence (contact: 20 / private study 35)


Fundamentals of analysis
Analytical approaches
Organisational accidents
Applying analysis tools
Application of analysis methods in investigation simulation 



4. Developing safety recommendations (contact: 4 / private study: 10)


Relations with the regulator and other parties
Developing and managing recommendations
Follow-up actions



5. Report writing (contact: 3 / private study: 10)


Purpose of an investigation report
Planning and preparation of a report
Report structure and format



c) Practical workshops (practical work: 20 / private study: 20)


Evidence collection workshop
Site tutorial workshop (field)
Accident simulation exercise (field)
Courtroom procedures workshop

On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the investigation process for a transport accident - including elements of accident response, site management, evidence collection and analysis, report writing and development of safety recommendations.
2. Evaluate the regulatory factors affecting an accident investigation, including the purpose of an investigation and the relevant legislation/regulations; the degree of empowerment/independence of investigators; and the protection of key evidence.
3. Work safely under supervision at an accident site, including the identification of hazards and management of associated risks.
4. Compare and evaluate different techniques for preserving and gathering material evidence from a variety of relevant sources following an accident, including technical data.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of different methods and techniques for recording effective imagery of an accident site.
6. Demonstrate a practical understanding of the theory and skills required to gather reliable witness evidence by conducting effective witness interviews following an accident.
7. Evaluate the different human factors that contribute to accidents and their potential effect on the investigation process.
8. Perform an analysis of available evidence to identify and present the factors contributing to an accident.
9. Develop effective evidence-based recommendations to prevent future accident occurrences.
10. Critically assess strategies for working alongside interested parties including emergency services, legal services, pathologist, scientific support, news media, families and regulatory authorities.

• Dr Jim Nixon

Industrial roles which draw on skill sets in safety and human factors demand the skill sets developed in this module in support of the course level learning outcomes.      

Collecting data

Doing research (research ethics, the research story, the thesis, the hypothesis).
Introduction to experimental design - basic designs, experimental control, and minimising error variance.
Qualitative data analysis.
Questionnaire design (content, phrasing, response formats and analysis).

Analysing quantitative data

Exploring data (descriptive statistics, levels of measurement).
Examining differences (parametric and non-parametric statistical tests).
Examining relationships (bivariate correlation).
Introduction to modelling data.   

On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:

1. Be able to develop, plan and communicate research in a structured way.
2. Be able to identify ethical issues  when using human participants in research.
3. Be able to develop effective questionnaires and subjective-rating scales to answer research questions.
4. Be able to appraise and select qualitative and quantitative research methods and apply methods to different research needs.
5. Be able to conduct of statistical analyses and interpret the results.  
   
    

• Alan Parmenter

This module builds on the Fundamentals of Accident Investigation module to develop specialist skills for the investigation of aircraft accidents.

Investigation of fixed and rotary wing aircraft accidents

Impact and flight path assessment 
The operations investigator’s approach
The engineering investigator’s approach
Sources of physical, data, documentary and people evidence
Conduct of complex/major investigations
Aircraft structural failure (metal/composites)
Aircraft performance
Crew performance and human factors aspects
Flight data recorders
Cockpit voice recorders
Use of recorded data
Survivability factors
Investigation approach - case studies

Air traffic control

ATC investigations and case studies

Technical site visits to:



UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch

Powerplants and propulsion

Piston engine operations
Turbine engine operations
Role of manufacturer in investigation
Engine teardown on site/at base
Birdstrikes/FOD
Case studies

Major investigation simulation 

Hazard identification at an aircraft accident site
Management of risk at an aircraft accident site
Physical examination of wreckage
Accident site photography
Accident site management
Wreckage plotting
Witness interviewing
Application of analysis techniques
Preparation of recommendations
Formal report writing
Debriefing

Investigation management 

Dealing with other agencies
Accredited representatives/technical advisors
Participating in an overseas investigation
Managing an investigation
Managing the politics
Managing the news media
Preparing to release an investigation report
The role of the Investigator in Charge
The role of the Chief Inspector

 

On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:

1. Work safely without supervision at an accident site.
2. Describe common failure types and their symptoms in terms of structures, powerplants and propulsion, aircraft systems and human factors.
3. Describe and contrast the differences between the investigation of civil and military; less complex and more complex aircraft, and between fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft accidents.
4. Describe the role of accredited representatives, technical advisors and other interested parties in the accident investigation process.
5. Successfully manage an accident investigation, both on-site and through to the publication and acceptance of recommendations.
6. Collect information / evidence from a variety of electronic, hard copy and witness sources to support investigations and research.
7. Appraise and critique the work of other practitioners and specialists.
8. Communicate effectively, in written form, research work and investigations produced.
9. Take responsibility for research and investigations produced, including, efficient time management, working to set deadlines and targets, demonstrating self-discipline, creative thinking and critical reflections of their own performance.
10. Collaborate and contribute effectively to group workshops, simulations and assignments, appreciating the contributions made by other team members, especially from different disciplines, national and cultural backgrounds. 

• Alan Parmenter

This module builds on the Fundamentals of Accident Investigation module to develop specialist skills for the investigation of marine accidents. 

Marine accident investigation legal and management issues (contact: 10 / private study: 25)



The international legal basis for marine accident investigation and the practical application of the rules, recommendations and guidance:

Historical background
UNCLOS, SOLAS, MARPOL and other relevant conventions
The  Casualty Investigation Code
National Laws
IMO’s guidance on the investigation of fatigue and human factors
VDR ownership and recovery
EU Directive
Databases
Case studies as appropriate   



The International Safety Management (ISM) Code and its interrelation with accident investigation:

Background to the ISM Code
Auditing and its role in accident prevention
The ISM Code in practice



Managing a marine accident investigation:

Notification of and coordination and communication with other agencies/parties
Using technical advisors
Time/resource management
Managing the news media
Cultural aspects
Preparing to release an investigation report
Managing recommendations
Possible litigation aspects
The role of the Investigator-in-Charge
The role of the Chief Inspector
Case studies and simulations, as appropriate

Marine specific investigation techniques (contact: 20 / private study: 60)



Site risk assessment and hazard identification for common marine accident scenarios:

Access to the accident site
The presence of dangerous substances and atmospheres
Bio hazards in the marine environment
The safety of the ship platform
Case studies e.g. CP Valour (Bermuda), MSC Napoli (UK) 



Evidence preservation and collection issues in common marine accident scenarios:

Access issues
Commercial pressures
Legal considerations
Technical evidence- VDRs, AIS, ECDIS, VTS, CCTV 
Evidence collection strategies
Various case studies, as appropriate



Human performance, human factors and marine accidents:

Analysis of errors in the marine context
Multi-national crewing, social and cultural issues
Language and communication
Distraction
Fatigue, leadership and complacency 
Safety culture
Master/pilot relationship
Commercial pressures
Uncovering the organisational and systemic factors
Case studies, as appropriate



Investigating marine collisions, contacts and grounding accidents:

Displaying and analysing VDR and other electronic evidence, MADAS
Collision regulations and their effectiveness
Investigating competence, fatigue and other human performance issues
Collisions in poor visibility, safe speed issues
Casualties in harbour areas, master/pilot relationship
Case studies e.g.  Cosco Busan (US) Lykes Voyager/Washington Senator (UK), Royal Majesty (Panama)



Investigating ship fires: 

Site risk assessment and hazard identification
Engine room fires
Cargo fires
Accommodation fires
Fire detection, fire fighting, fire protection and evacuation issues
Case studies, as appropriate   



Investigating structural/material failures, loading and stability problems: 

Maintenance and operational history
Practical evidence gathering problems and potential solutions
Corrosion, fatigue and other failure modes
Forensic analysis methods
Case studies, as appropriate



Investigating machinery failures:

Overview of different types of engineering and machinery failures
Sources of evidence
Non-destructive & destructive testing
Trials & reconstructions
Failure mode analysis
Case studies, as appropriate.



Investigating occupational health and safety accidents:

Factors to consider
Sources of evidence
Different types of occupational accidents, eg.
Enclosed space entry accidents
Accidents involving use/misuse of machinery – watertight doors, cranes
Mooring accidents
Lifeboat, rescue craft and evacuation equipment accidents
Safety Management issues
Case studies as appropriate

General investigation techniques (contact: 30 / private study: 80)



Enhanced investigative interviewing techniques:

General recap of investigative interviewing and memory theory
Oveview of cognitive interviewing
Introduction to SE3R methodology
Quadrant Behaviour



Investigation analysis techniques:

General recap of analysis methods
Principals and pitfalls of no-blame marine investigations
Application of systemic models in marine investigations
Overview of selected accident analysis models, eg. SHELL, AIBN model, STEP
Case studies and mentored practical workshops



Investigation report writing and recommendation development:

Purpose of writing an investigation report
Guidance on report writing
Report planning and preparation
Report structure
Principles of writing an effective report
Critiquing accident investigation reports
Principles of developing effective recommendations


Major investigation simulation (contact: 40 / private study: 35)



A major marine accident investigation exercise which examines:

Team and investigation management
Team working
Cooperation and coordination with other interested parties (including other investigations, the media etc.)
Securing the accident site
Health and safety and risk assessment at the accident site
Physical examination and accident site photography
Physical and documentary evidence collection
Technical evidence identification and collection
Witness interviewing
Evidence analysis 
Preparation of recommendations
Formal report writing
Debriefing

• Yani Asmayawati

This module builds on the Fundamentals of Accident Investigation module to develop specialist skills for the investigation of rail accidents.

Essential rail investigative skills

Rail accident site management and dealing with other agencies 
Rail accident site risk management
Enhanced interviewing skills
Enhanced investigative photography
Applied analysis methods
Rail crashworthiness and passenger survivability
Investigating Safety Management System

Investigating railway operations accidents

Overview of factors contributing to Signals Passed at Danger, collision/level crossing accidents and investigation approach
Relevant safety systems in train control
Relevant human factors aspects
Investigating light rail and unmanned rail systems

Investigating derailment accidents

Overview of factors contributing to derailment accidents and case studies
Collecting, inspecting and interpreting evidence (on site)
Dynamic modelling of wheel/rail interface response
Relevant human factors aspects

Accident investigation simulation

A five-day practical exercise in a simulated accident investigation scenario where delegates can apply the skills and knowledge acquired in the Fundamentals of Accident Investigation course and other workshops in the Applied Rail Accident Investigation series. The simulation takes the delegate through the entire investigation process from notification, site investigation, interviews, analysis, report writing and formulating recommendations. 

Team and investigation management.
Securing the accident site.
Managing news media
Health and safety at the accident site.
Risk assessment of the accident site.
Physical examination of wreckage/track.
Documentation investigation (procedures, manuals, logs, etc).
Accident site photography.
Accident site management.
Witness interviewing.
Application of analysis techniques.
Developing recommendations.
Formal report writing.

On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:

• Identify potential hazards at a rail accident site and assess the risks and mitigation methods in order to work safely whilst conducting an investigation.
• Identify and evaluate common failure types and their symptoms in terms of structures, rolling stock, railway systems and human factors.
• Describe and contrast the differences between the investigation of the different types of rail operations and technology.
• Describe the role of the different parties in the accident investigation process and manage the relationships between these parties.
• Successfully manage an accident investigation, both on-site and through to the publication and acceptance of recommendations.
• Compose an accident report and develop feasible safety recommendations.
• Identify, collect and analyse information/evidence from a variety of electronic, hard copy and witness sources to support investigations and research.
• Appraise and critique the work of other practitioners and specialists.
• Communicate effectively, in written form, research work and investigations produced.
• Take responsibility for research and investigations produced, including, efficient time management, working to set deadlines and targets, demonstrating self-discipline, creative thinking and critical reflections of their own performance.
• Collaborate and contribute effectively to group workshops, simulations and assignments, appreciating the contributions made by other team members, especially from different disciplines, national and cultural backgrounds.
  
  
  

• Yani Asmayawati

The Interviewing for Accident Investigators module is designed to provide delegates with an enhanced level of theoretical and practical skills to effectively interview various types of witness to gather evidence in support of successful safety accident investigations. 

The module adopts a balanced curriculum of theoretical learning and practical sessions involving interviews of live witnesses, with video debriefing, to deliver a practical learning experience supported by the latest academic thinking in investigative interviewing.

The module is intended to build on the interviewing skills developed during the Fundamentals of Accident Investigation, Applied Aircraft Accident Investigation, Applied Marine Accident Investigation and Applied Rail Accident Investigation modules. However, it can also be attended as a standalone module for delegates who wish to gain an enhanced qualification in investigative interviewing, and would be particularly suited to delegates with previous experience of conducting investigative interviews.

The module will have an emphasis on interviews forming part of no-blame safety  investigations of accidents. Its content will be applicable to investigators from other safety critical domains and high reliability organisations, such as healthcare, process industries, and energy utilities.

1. Refresher of the fundamentals of investigative interviewing (pre-read):


Basic principles of investigative interviewing.
Basic interviewing models:
Conversation Management.
Conducting a PEACE interview.
Use of different questioning techniques – Open v. Closed, Directed, Confirmatory, etc.
Fundamentals of cognitive interviewing.
Basic theory of memory and recall.

2. Enhanced theory of investigative interviewing

Enhanced theory of memory and psychology applied during investigative interviewing.
SE3R methodology for managing and recording interviews.
Introduction to concept of enhanced cognitive interview techniques, including free recall.
Biases and heuristics – investigator and witnesses.
Introduction to non-cognitive interview techniques for interviewees who have not directly witnessed the accident.

3. Preparation for the interview

Assessment of the emotional and psychological state of witnesses.
Awareness of the characteristics of potentially vulnerable witnesses and the challenges faced when interviewing them.
Consideration of cultural, religious, social factors that may have an effect on the witness interview.
Strategies for planning and structuring different types of interviews.
Identification of the most appropriate interview technique to apply.

4. Conducting the interview

Management of the initial phases of the interview to build rapport and ensure that all legal and ethical aspects have been considered.
Implementation of the appropriate interviewing model in accordance with the interview strategy/plan.
Adopting a meaningful, effective and consistent strategy for summarising and recording witness evidence.
Introduction to strategies for dealing with challenging/difficult witnesses, including obstructive and inappropriate behaviour.
Identifying and employing appropriate challenge techniques for any inconsistencies/omissions during an interview.
Dealing with other third party attendees at the interview, e.g. legal representatives, trade union representatives, friends/family.
Effective interview closure strategies.

5. Post-interview phase

Recording and summarising of the interview information.
Strategies for conducting an effective self-critique of the interview process to ensure continuous performance improvement.

On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the underlying interviewing theories, including memory theory and psychological factors affecting witness recall, and biases and heuristics of both witnesses and investigators.
• Describe and critically assess the most appropriate interview technique(s) to be adopted during an accident safety investigation to ensure the effective gathering of witness evidence, including cognitive/non-cognitive interview techniques.
• Develop an appropriate and effective interview strategy and plan to ensure the efficacy of the interview and optimise the gathering of the available information.
• Conduct an effective witness interview with regard to the selection of the most appropriate interview methodology, the welfare of the witness, the quality of the evidence collected and the accuracy of note taking.
• Develop an awareness of the characteristics of potentially vulnerable witnesses and the challenges faced when interviewing them.
• Demonstrate the ability to conduct an effective self-critique of the interview process to ensure continuous performance improvement.

The Investigating Human Performance module encourages students to look critically at the contribution humans make in high reliability organisations (HROs). Using psychological theory and analysis, the human contribution (positive and sometimes negative) is addressed. Theories and approaches of human performance explored on this module should help the student understand the human factors affecting those involved with accidents or incidents, as well as the investigator.

The role of human performance in accidents
Individual factors
Job/ workplace factors
Organisational and management factors 
Case study investigations
Human performance evidence collection tools
Analysis of human factors
Biases and heuristics
Ethical issues
Interpretation of recorded data
Interpretation of witness/ interview data

On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:

• Describe the key areas of consideration for an accident investigator in terms of human performance in transport operations;
• Identify suitable techniques for the collection of accurate evidence relating to human performance;
• Critically assess the effectiveness of contemporary human factors evidence collection and analysis tools;
• Identify at what point an expert should be approached about the collection or analysis of human performance evidence;
• Evaluate the human performance aspects of contemporary accident investigations.

• Yani Asmayawati

The aim of this module is to introduce students to analysis techniques based on conventional as well as contemporary accident causation theories, and provide them with the approach to selecting the techniques and the opportunity to apply them in a learning environment.

Pre-read:

Selected accident analysis techniques and their underlying theories. This includes sequential, epidemiological, and systemic techniques with emphasis on systemic techniques, with case studies/example application

Factors to be considered in selecting analysis techniques e.g. system structure, system component relationships, system behaviour.

Contact time:

Discussions: critical evaluation of selected techniques based on case studies.

Practical application of techniques, including developing timeline/sequence of events, evaluation of evidence, and identifying safety issues. 

Translating analysis models into written report – guidelines and tips.

On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:

• Appraise different accident analysis techniques in context of their underlying theories.
• Determine technique(s) to be used in analysing evidence in accident investigation appropriately.
• Synthesise evidence, identify areas of further investigations, and draw conclusions using selected accident analysis technique(s).
• Identify areas to be addressed by safety recommendations and develop the recommendations in accordance with applicable standards and good practice guidelines.
• Compose a written work that reflects the analysis, conclusions and recommendations conducted using the analysis technique in accordance with applicable standards and good practice guidelines.
  
  

• Professor Graham Braithwaite

The module will allow the delegate to have an understanding of the relevant regulations, legislation and legal processes, to be able to conduct their evidence collection according to methods of best practice, and to be confident and proficient in giving evidence in court. At the end of the module the students will undertake a mock courtroom exercise and be able to receive feedback on their performance from their peers.

Standards, Recommended Practices, Legislation and Regulation with respect to Transport Accident Investigation.

Role and Legal Responsibilities of the Accident Investigator.

Note Taking and Statement Writing.

The Coroner’s Court.

Fatal Accident Inquiries.

Military Legal Processes.

Public Inquiries.

Civil Litigation Processes.

Presentation of Evidence in Court by Investigator.

Protection of Witnesses / Evidence.

Civil Litigation in Europe, the UK and the USA.

Criminal Litigation Processes.

Civil and Criminal Litigation Processes.

The Procedures, Order of Events and Roles of Participants.

How to Give Clear, Honest and Objective Evidence.

How to make Appropriate use of Supporting Evidence, Documents and Notes when Giving Evidence.

How to Prepare for Giving Evidence.

Techniques used by Lawyers in Cross-examination.

Role Play of Cross-examination.

On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:

• Evaluate the role of the accident investigator within the international and national legal frameworks and prepare strategies for managing their interaction with coronial, fatal accident inquiry, public inquiry and other relevant legal processes.
• Define the role and responsibilities of the accident investigator as expert witness and demonstrate the ability to assess the best ways to execute this role.
• Compose accident reports which can be used appropriately by parallel investigation processes.
• Present oral evidence in court effectively and critically evaluate the experience.
• Respond effectively to cross-examination and critically evaluate the experience.

• Dr David Barry

Crisis management is a topic area relevant to airlines, airports and other organisations involved with delivering air transport. These organisations typically have dedicated personnel and departments to emergency response and crisis planning.  The aim of this course is to provide students with an overview of how to plan for crises, what to expect when they happen, and how to deal with practicalities such as dealing with media, survivors and in the longer term, insurers.

Crisis management planning

Crisis communications

Critical function and risk analysis

Business continuity development and strategy

Crisis management exercise

On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:

• Describe the key elements of a crisis 
• Analyse the importance of effective crisis management
• Critically evaluate past aviation crisis management
• Facilitate business continuity planning.

• Cengiz Turkoglu

The module aims to provide a broad overview of the nature and management of human error in the aviation maintenance domain. Key theories and frameworks for investigating maintenance human error, contributing factors and effects on operations are introduced. The challenges associated with practical application of currently available safety tools are examined together with the latest strategies to enhance understanding and management of maintenance error. This module does not require previous background in aviation maintenance and engineering.

• The nature of the maintenance environment:This includes both civil and military environments. 

• Maintenance management: Organisation, line and base maintenance, planning, maintenance control, error management systems, shift handover, blame cycle, communication in the workplace, workplace environment, work/job design. Regulatory framework: Legal requirements. EASA/Part 145 Maintenance Human Factors.
• Designing for human factors: What can be done by the designer to reduce and mitigate human error. Design philosophies and human-centred design.
• Human error management in maintenance: The benefits and challenges associated with the use and application of reporting systems and safety tools.

On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:

1. describe the regulatory background and the environment within which aviation maintenance takes place Describe the regulatory background and the environment within which aviation maintenance takes place
2. evaluate current methods for maintenance error management (reactive, proactive and predictive)
3. appraise the links between aircraft maintenance and safety
4. analyse ways in which maintenance errors can be reduced at the design stage.

• Dr David Barry

To provide an understanding of Flight Data Monitoring within a commercial organisation and to detail the uses, processes and responsibilities of a successful FDM programme.

The history of FDM and an overview of its objectives
CAP739, EASA and ICAO regulatory frameworks
Integration of FDM within a safety system
FDM technology
Setting analysis targets
Data recovery and analysis tools
Principles of data validation and assessment
Trace interpretation, with both theoretical and practical sessions 
Database management
The use of statistics in data analysis
Animations and visualisation in data presentation
FDM in accident and incident investigation
The interface between the analyst and crews
Legal aspects of FDM data collection, retention and use 
The use of FDM to justify operational and technical change 
The potential of FDM within maintenance programmes.

On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:

• Describe the key elements of an FDM programme and appraise the security and anonymity safeguards of a given FDM programme.
• Critically analyse an FDM event, including evaluating data integrity and present the analysis in an appropriate format.
• Propose and defend an FDM regime for application in their own company.
  
   

• Dr David Barry

To provide students with the fundamental skills required to manage operational safety within the aviation industry.

The fundamentals of a Safety Management System, and introduction to associated guidance material provided by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and other State safety regulatory bodies.

Safety data, safety information and analyses; including reporting systems, investigation and Flight Data Monitoring (FDM).

Hazard identification and risk management, including an introduction to Enterprise Risk Management (ERM).

Safety performance and safety health; including guidance on audits and safety promotion.

Safety organisations, including guidance on effective management of safety teams.

 

On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:

• Describe the fundamental concepts behind Safety Management Systems (SMS), as defined by ICAO, UK CAA, CASA and Transport Canada;
• Select and implement techniques for the identification, quantification and management of hazards and risks;
• Critically assess strategies for developing and enhancing safety culture including the role of leadership, structure and reporting systems;
• Identify techniques for measuring safety performance;
• Collect information from a variety of electronic (internet) and hard copy sources to support research;
• Appraise and critique the work of other practitioners and specialists;
• Communicate effectively, in written form, research work produced; 
• Complete work assignments to set deadlines.

• Dr Leigh Dunn

To familiarise course members with the various approaches to the problems of assessing the safety of increasingly complex aircraft systems.

Introduction and background

Outline of relevant accidents and system design philosophy.  Discussion of acceptable accident rates and recent advances in systems.  Introduction to probability methods.

Regulatory background 

The development of requirements for safety assessment, FAR / EASA CS25—1309.

Methods and techniques

Introduction to the more common safety analysis techniques. Influence of human factors.  Common mode failures, traps and pitfalls of using safety assessment and examples of mechanical systems and power plants.

Use of safety assessment techniques

Determination of correct architecture of safety critical systems.  Fault Tree Analysis, Dependence Diagrams and Boolean algebra for quantification of system reliability.  Zonal safety analysis (ZSA), Particular Risk Analysis (PRA) and Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) of aircraft systems.

Practical examples of the application of safety assessment techniques

Minimum Equipment Lists (MEL), Safety and Certification of digital systems and safety critical software.  Application of Aerospace Recommended Practice (ARP) 4761.  Typical safety assessment for a stall warning and identification system.

Current and future issues

Integrated and modular systems and their certification.  Certification maintenance requirements.  Flight-deck ergonomics.

 

On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the regulatory background behind the Safety Assessment of Aircraft Systems. 
• Evaluate and apply the technique(s) which is most appropriate for the system under consideration. 
• Explain the theory behind each technique, including the strengths and weaknesses of each one, and be aware of possible pitfalls. 
• Appreciate the role of safety assessment in the overall context of aircraft certification. 
• Illustrate the issues to be faced for the certification of new systems and aircraft.

• Dr Hessam Ghasemnejad

The aim of this module is to provide students with an understanding of the design of crashworthy aircraft structures and the considerations necessary when designing safe and crashworthy aircraft. The main purpose of crashworthy design is to eliminate injuries and fatalities in mild impacts and minimise them in severe but survivable impacts.

• Overview of Aircraft Crashworthiness 
  o Objectives and Approach
  o Regulations
  o Human Tolerance

• Crash Energy Management

• Structural Collapse
  o Collapse of metallic and composite structural components
  o Component collapse vs. structural collapse

• Introduction to methods for crash analysis
  o Hand calculations
  o Hybrid analysis methods
  o Detailed analysis methods

• Role and capability of testing and simulation in the crashworthiness field

• Outline the main priorities and fundamentals of crashworthiness in aircraft in the context of protection in crash events
• Define the requirements for structural components used for impact energy absorption and structural collapse in aircraft
• Describe crashworthiness requirements on major equipment and systems
• Identify relevant regulations for aircraft crashworthy design
• Discuss human tolerance in the context of crashworthiness
• Identify the main experimental and analytical techniques used in design for crashworthiness
• Apply the systems approach in impact energy management to aircraft design
• Use simple approximate calculations on the performance of energy absorption components and structures to assess the crashworthiness of an aircraft structure.