Plures Intelligens Modicum Machinatorem
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Dr. Glen Stevick, P.E. ext. 101 | Dr. Dave Rondinone, P.E. ext. 102 | Derek King, P.E. ext. 103 | Mingxi Zheng, P.E. ext. 106
Aviation
BEAR engineers have experience evaluating aircraft fires (e.g. Ricky Nelson plane crash) as well as avionics, fuel system problems and pilot error.
Piper Airplane
In these photos, BEAR engineers are testing the fuel gauging system on a Piper airplane, determining the amount of fuel reported versus the actual amount of usable fuel in the tanks. A misunderstanding of the amount of usable fuel resulted in the subject accident. The tests clearly showed the fuel pumps and meters were not the cause of the accident as claimed.
Miami Airport
In 1996, at the Miami Airport, a 747 operated by Tower Air caught fire on the tarmac. BEAR engineers determined the fire was caused by the fuel truck (this incident inspired the chase scene at MIA in the James Bond movie Casino Royal). After testifying in defense of the airline, the arbitration panel in Miami quoted one expert, and only one expert, extensively in their ruling for the airline (Dr. Glen Stevick, Ph.D., P.E.).
Animations of the fueling operation in support of this testimony were developed by Origin Point working with BEAR and fire expert Animations of the fueling operation in support of this testimony were developed by Origin Point working with BEAR and fire expert Mr. Harry Hasagowa; video stills of which are shown to the left.
BEAR engineers have investigated numerous small plane accidents and crashes. The remains of one incident still under investigation is shown below. Amazingly, both passengers survived, one literally walking away from the incident.
Determining the cause of an aviation fire or crash involves numerous disciplines. BEAR has on staff mechanical engineers and physicists with aviation experience as well as a certified pilot (Charles Scherer, M.D.).