The Purpose of Crashing a Boeing 720
Controlled Impact Demonstration
In 1984, NASA Dryden Flight Research Center and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) collaborated on a unique flight experiment known as the Controlled Impact Demonstration, colloquially dubbed "Crash in the Desert." The purpose of this project was to investigate the effectiveness of anti-misting fuel additives in minimizing the risk of post-crash fires during aviation accidents.
Crash Test Details
The experiment involved crashing a Boeing 720 jetliner intentionally into the Mojave Desert. The aircraft was equipped with four JT3C-7 engines that utilized a mixture of standard fuel and anti-misting additives. The impact occurred at a speed of approximately 360 mph, and the aircraft was heavily instrumented with sensors to gather data on the crash dynamics and fuel behavior.
Moments before impact, the Boeing 720's wing openers deployed. This allowed researchers to study the impact of the fuel and additive mixture on the aircraft's structural integrity and the potential for fuel dispersion. The experiment provided valuable insights into the effectiveness of anti-misting additives in mitigating post-crash fire hazards.
The Controlled Impact Demonstration was a significant milestone in aviation safety research, leading to the improved design of aircraft fuel systems and the widespread adoption of anti-misting additives in commercial aviation. The findings from this experiment continue to contribute to ongoing efforts to enhance the safety of air travel.
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