Robertson Aircraft Accident Investigation Lab

Embry-Riddle Prescott's S. Harry Robertson Aircraft Accident Investigation Lab (Crash Lab) is the most comprehensive facility of its kind and the only fully scenario-based accident investigation training facility available in North America. Each of the sites involves a real aircraft accident that has been re-created from the original accident.

The 8 ½ acre facility gives undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to conduct simulated hands-on field investigations using the sites. The area features nine fully recreated field scenario settings.

The International Society of Air Safety Investigators (Arizona Student Chapter) designed and installed the ISASI Thermodynamics Laboratory within the Crash Lab to provide a platform for research on the effects of fire on different materials and structures.

In addition, the Crash Lab is used by students in Embry-Riddle’s Professional Programs short courses to support their projects and training. The lab is also used for hosting special outreach training events involving other schools, safety organizations and safety-related entities. Various crime scene scenarios (including simulated body parts) have been developed to support crime scene investigations.

The lab also has the capability and has facilitated in many research efforts. A number of UAS (uncrewed aircraft systems) research/projects have also been conducted within the lab. A variety of different platforms have been used, namely lidar (Light Detection and Ranging), infrared, hydro analysis mapping and topographic mapping. The employment of UAS platforms and the FARO 3D accident reconstruction technologies are being implemented to further augment our facilities.

Embry-Riddle’s commitment to maintaining and enhancing the capabilities of the “Crash Lab” will ensure that the facility will continue to be a key experiential resource for the Safety Institute and the university’s academic safety programs.

Equipment

• Varga Kachina
• Nanchang CJ-6
• Cessna 401A
• Piper PA28-161 Warrior II
• Aero Commander 500-S
• Piper Cherokee
• Cessna 208-B Caravan
• Rockwell S-2R Thrush Commander
• Thermodynamics Laboratory
• 4 Fuel Bladder “Robbie Tanks” drop test Helicopter static displays
• Pratt & Whitney R-460 Wasp Major
• Propeller lab
• Materials/Engine Breakdown lab
• FARO 3D Laser Scanner