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A Method of Analysis for General Aviation Airplane Structural Crashworthiness

The results of the Task effort to develop a method of analysis of the 
structural dynamic response of general aviation airplanes subåected to a 
crash environment are presented. 
Included in this report Is the reviev and evaluation of 81491 accidents 
obtained from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) tapes for 
the period 1971 through 1973, the detail evaluation of 18 accident cases 
from the FAA Civil Aeromedical Institute (CAMI) accident files, and the 
performance parameters and structural desi81 characteristics associated 
with 61 general aviation airplane models produced by the major domestic 
manufacturers. 
Several categories are established and presented which re— 
late airplane configuration (low-wing, high—wing, single—engine, tvin- 
engine), performance ( speed, weight), usage, and occupant capacity. The 
accident data is related to the airplane categories with i.,he use of a 
computer program designed to select and process NTSB accident data. 
computer program was developed by the Cessna Aircraft Company during this 
task and is described, In detail, in Appendix A. The accident data is 
presented with regard to the potential of incurring fatalities during pro— 
bab1e accident conditions. 
me current and near future computer capability available to the general 
aviation industry vas Investigated and found to be compatible with the 
reasonably large computer programs needed to perform crash analysis. Re— 
quirements for performing computerized crash analysis of general aviation 
airplanes during probable accident conditions are presented. These require— 
ments are compatible with the need to analyze reascmably complex crash condi- 
tions, yet, not impose unrealistic and costly Investments in specialized man- 
pover and/or equipment to facilitate improved future crashworthy designs. 
Program KFASH Is briefly described. The modifications to meet the require— 
mentg Of the general aviation Industry, as vell as expand KFASH's versatll— 
ity, flexibility and economy of operation are descri bed. The capability