EC84-31806
Moments after hitting and sliding through the wing openers the aircraft burst into flame, with a spectacular fireball seen emanating from the right inboard engine area. Much useful safety-related data was obtained during the Controlled Impact Demonstration that validated the expenditure of an estimated $5 to $7 million over the course of four years for the project. Cameras inside the airliner showed the crash dummies being shaken and small panels falling during the crash-landing, although the seats remained attached to the floor. The new seat designs, flight data recorders, galley and stowage-bin attachments, fireproof materials, and windows were tested under real-world conditions. Research data from the project in these areas yielded new data on impact survivability that helped the FAA establish new rules regarding fire prevention and fire-retardant materials.Dec 1984NASA Photo› CID Project Description