OCCUPANT KINEMATICS SIMULATION OF THE KEGWORTH AIR ACCIDENT

This paper describes the use of computer simulation in the investigation of the Boeing 737 crash at Kegworth in order to examine the causation and mechanisms of the injuries sustained. Detailed information about the passengers was collected and compared with the biomechanical forces predicted by the computer simulation . Injuries are analysed for passengers a) in the braced position, b) in an upright position, c) wearing a three point belt and d) in a rear- facing seat. Good correlation was obtained between actual and predicted results for the brace position. Results for the upright position indicated a more severe level of injuries. Three point belts reduced femoral and pelvic injuries. Rear-facing seats reduced the level of most injuries considerably. Recommendations are made for improvements to aircraft seating.