Blast and Aircraft Crash Trauma: A Selection of WWII Cases from the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency Laboratory*†

Abstract

This study examines patterns of skeletal trauma in propeller-driven aircraft crashes and blast-related ground loss incidents from WWII. Specifically, descriptions and criteria used to characterize aircraft deceleration-versus blast-related skeletal injuries are examined from 35 recently identified forensic anthropology cases to determine possible diagnostic traits and characterize skeletal trauma associated with these events. Among these cases, blast trauma is more localized within the skeleton and is associated with one or few primary directions of force. It is recommended that analysts differentiate between secondary and nonspecific blast trauma categories. Conversely, aircraft crash deceleration trauma is more widespread throughout the skeleton, with torsional fractures and injuries occurring from multiple or indeterminate directions. These traits reflect factors such as more complex loading environments than is seen in blast events. Two case studies are presented in detail to further illustrate differences in aircraft crash and blast-related incidents. Both studies emphasize consideration of the body as a whole unit to facilitate interpretations. While the cases presented herein result from historic war-related casualties that characterize the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency's (DPAA) casework, these skeletal cases provide guidelines more appropriate than clinically derived criteria developed through assessments of soft tissue injuries. These guidelines can be used by anthropologists and pathologists working with skeletal remain from mass disasters and other complex contexts, as well as provide avenues for future research.

Analysis of skeletal remains from the Battle of Britain: A temporary cemetery of German aviators from World War II

“…The data have not been published for ethical reasons. The pattern of skeletal BFT observed in this study is similar to that found in other studies (Byard & Tsokos, 2006; Palmiotto et al, 2020; Wedel & Galloway, 2014; Wiegmann & Taneja, 2003).…”

“…This is due to the impact of the body on the ground, which differs from trauma caused by an airplane crash. Few studies are available that report airplane crashes in an archaeological context (Gapert & Rieder, 2013; Palmiotto et al, 2020). Most of these types of studies are reported in forensic literature (Byard & Tsokos, 2006; de Bakker et al, 2018) or consist of recent professional experiences (such as an army helicopter crash in southeast France or previously an airliner crash in the Alps), but patterns observed in soldiers are similar, especially with respect to helicopter accidents.…”

“…Skeletons described here were quite well preserved and tended to be present in their entirety. High velocity is more observed in blast trauma and often is the cause of bodily amputation (Palmiotto et al, 2020). Blast incidents may be associated with a combination of blunt force impacts and projectile impacts on the remains.…”

“…In the lower limbs, oblique, transverse, and butterfly fractures were observed. As presented in Palmiotto's study (Palmiotto et al, 2020), this kind of fracture was more common due to the complexity of the loading environment than compression/depression fracture.…”

Interpreting perimortem blast trauma from skeletal remains: Complications and considerations

“…Crushing injuries [19,25]; Traumatic amputation [26] Not specified Uncommon spine injuries including Chance fractures, low lumbar burst fractures, and lumbosacral disassociation [19]; Pelvic trauma [27][28][29]; Inverted butterfly fractures to ribs [6]; Localized trauma to portions of the skeleton [30]; One-or-few primary directions of force [30] Projectiles produced from the blast wave, such as shrapnel or fragmented debris, result in secondary blast trauma. Implicit in secondary blast trauma analysis is the large domain of possible overlap in skeletal trauma characteristics compared to gunshot trauma [21].…”