The Time Boeing Intentionally Crashed a Plane
We’ve all heard about the recent Boeing plane crashes, but this is a little-known story of the time that Boeing crashed one of their planes intentionally to make airlines safer.
Known as the CID (Controlled Impact Demonstration), it was a venture undertaken by NASA and the FAA to obtain data from an intentionally crashed Boeing 720.
One of the experiment’s main goals was testing the fire-suppressing fuel additive FM-9 (the picture above illustrates how well that went). When FM-9 is combined with jet fuel, it creates antimisting kerosene, which is known to deter ignition and flame spread.
The experiment also used crash test dummies and full-scale anthropomorphic test devices (ATDs), which simulate human bodies (accurate to height, weight, and dimensions) during controlled traffic collisions.
It took NASA and the FAA 4 years to prepare for the crash test. The aircraft went through 14 test flights, during which:
Engine performance (running on antimisting kerosene) was tested.
Remote piloting techniques were perfected. Throughout the 14 flights, the aircraft was controlled remotely by a pilot on the ground, though safety pilots were also onboard.
The blend of antimisting kerosene was tested and enhanced.
The crash site included eight cemented cutters (nicknamed Rhinos) to slice the wings open without harming the fuselage.
The day of the test finally came about on December 1, 1984. The 720 took off from Edwards Air Force Base in California and headed for the crash site.
Moments before the crash, the aircraft had steered slightly to the right of the desired path. The remote pilot tried correcting its course, but it was too late.
Data acquisition systems were on; the aircraft was committed to the impact.
The wings were meant to be level at impact, but the left wing was low, making the first contact with the ground.
When the aircraft smashed into the ground, one of the Rhinos sliced through the right wing, cut through the fuselage, and into engine number 3. The engine kept running for 1/3 of a rotation, providing a heat source and igniting a massive fire.
The fire completely undermined efforts to test the antimisting kerosene and took over an hour to put out.
Despite the failure in testing FM-9, NASA considered the test a success due to the crash data that was collected.
It has been estimated that 23–25% of the 720’s capacity of 113 people could have survived the crash.
The test also made flying safer as the FAA changed two requirements based on the results. They implemented new flammability standards for seat cushions and required mechanic fastening for floor proximity lightning as the adhesive ones used in the test appeared to have been detached.
Sources:
Controlled Impact Demonstration - NASA
Summary Report--FullScale Transport Controlled Impact Demonstration Program - FAA
Controlled Impact Demonstration: In 1984, NASA Made Airliners Safer by Crashing a Boeing 720 - Vintage Everyday
1 December 1984 - This Day in Aviation
Editing by Myles Adoh-Phillips
Written by Lucas L
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