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Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology
Published in: Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology 4/2020

01-12-2020 | Autopsy | Images in Forensics

Fatal gyroplane crash

Authors: Elke Doberentz, Julian Geile, Burkhard Madea

Published in: Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology | Issue 4/2020

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Abstract

Gyroplanes are mainly used for sports aviation. Experience is required when flying these special aircraft because in 40% of gyroplane crashes, the passengers do not survive. Herein, a fatal gyroplane crash of a tandem-seat gyroplane with two occupants is reported. The occupants, both 49-year-old males, fell from a height of approximately 20 m to 30 m. In both cases, the cause of death was polytrauma with typical findings of deceleration trauma. The pilot, who probably lost his helmet in the crash, had a ring fracture at the base of his skull. As there is not much literature on autopsy findings in the case of light aircraft crashes, these autopsy findings are presented and discussed.
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Metadata
Title
Fatal gyroplane crash
Authors
Elke Doberentz
Julian Geile
Burkhard Madea
Publication date
01-12-2020
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology / Issue 4/2020
Print ISSN: 1547-769X
Electronic ISSN: 1556-2891
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-020-00253-0

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