Controlled Impact Demonstration Review

On December 1, 1984, FAA and NASA conducted a Controlled Impact Demonstration (CID) at Edwards AFB. The demonstration evaluated the effectiveness of antimisting fuel additives, measured crash impact forces and the transmission of these forces to the occupants, and further evaluated improved fireworthy cabin materials. Although the aircraft deviated from the planned impact profile, the impact was judged to be survivable and the desired impact data was obtained. The cabin maintained a habitable space, all but one row of seats located at a rupture in the cabin remained in place, all emergency exits were operable. The seat fire blocking layers provided significant protection. The CID impact resulted in catastrophic destruction of an engine, located at the point of fuel release, and a subsequent fire. It demonstrated there are conditions where use of antimisting fuel is not sufficient to prevent a post-crash fire.