Role of radiology in aviation accident investigation

Radiographic screening of fatality victims for skeletal detail, dental and surgical artifacts, personal effects, and foreign bodies is of established value. Radiography as the primary means of positive victim identification, through comparison with antemortem films and records, is an important new role. Data on sources of injury and relationships between victims and the crash environment may be derived from radiographic injury patterns and may be correlated with mechanisms of injury production. The result of such analysis is improved safety design. Such radiography poses unique technical and logistical problems, often involving temporary or remote facilities, which must be solved with consideration for privacy and safety. Advance planning is essential for maximum benefit from radiographic investigation.