Question

What on-scene observations may yield clues that separate the difference between an aircraft in-inflight fire from a ground fire? Why then is this difference important to note?

Answer 1

In in-flight fires, if the fire has escaped into the slipstream will burn much hotter than internal fires. Evidence signatures may include eutectic melting (high temp effects on aluminum called broom-straw effect).Melted blobs of emery like material blown along rivets and other components. Internal engine components may show degradation in shape and size with accompanying thermal signatures.

Post crash fires generally have a vertical soot pattern and do not burn as hot. The metal drips from melting would be in a pooling effect rather than showing a slipstream pattern. It is important to note that all fires suspected of being part of the error chain should be investigated by fire science experts and in some cases, where suspected, ordnance personnel.