Jim Page, 2007 Chapter 4: Mishap Diagramming MINA Handbook

Jim Page, 2007 Mishap Diagrams

Jim Page, 2007 Before You Diagram the Area Establish the Boundaries –How much of the site do you want to include in the survey? Set the Scope –Determine what parts to include in the diagram. The parts you designate or just the major parts? –The major objects in the event? Significant natural and man-made objects or factors? –Where the witnesses were at the time of the event? –Location of the victims? Be careful with remains. –Locations the photographer was standing and the direction the pictures were taken? Will a Field Sketch do?

Jim Page, 2007 AFI , Attachment 3 “Ensure diagrams are self-explanatory. Include only those diagrams that add to the report…Indicate direction with a northward pointing arrow on each diagram. If practical, indicate scale. Ensure the diagrams do not depict the location of human remains.”

Jim Page, 2007 AFPAM “Use diagrams only if they add to the understanding of the report. Diagrams can be both powerful investigative and explanatory tools if prepared properly. Those that relate elapsed time to actions, events, or movements are particularly effective. Sometimes an aerial photograph of wreckage and burn patterns conveys desired information better than a diagram…”

Jim Page, 2007 Field Sketches Good Method of quickly capturing transient information at the mishap scene. –List key directions, distances, and angles. –Location of those involved and witnesses. Can be used to plot noise, temperature light or airflow levels. Data can be transferred to more detailed diagrams if desired.

Jim Page, 2007 Basic Equipment Location –Maps, charts, aerial photographs –GPS –Linear Measurements 100’ Tape Measure LASER Range Finder –Vertical Measurements Inclinometer Plotter –Radial Measurements Compass

Jim Page, 2007 K.I.S.S. Photographs Topographic Chart Relative vs. Absolute Accuracy You are not a Surveyor! Pick the Simplest Method!

Jim Page, 2007 Field Sketch

Jim Page, 2007 Gradient Sketch - Noise

Jim Page, 2007 Diagramming Techniques Photograph/Map Overlay; or Draw a Diagram

Jim Page, 2007 Line Diagrams

Jim Page, 2007 Using a Plotter To Determine Impact Angle

Jim Page, 2007 Using the Traffic Template as an Inclinometer

Jim Page, 2007 Staking the Mishap Scene Depending on the location, mark the scene with stakes or materials that will be visible and readable Use color coding where necessary –Paint –Ribbons Use tags to establish identity of parts Determine what to stake Determine what to include in the diagram or photograph