‘Drones for Good’: Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) helping investigators gather evidence and prevent future accidents
01/04/2016

Photo: DJI S1000 “Octocopter” Drone scans a demo accident site outside Martell House, Cranfield University
Accident sites are often dangerous or difficult places to work. There are always hazards that will require the accident investigator to expose themselves to risk. These take many forms – environmental, physical, material, biological, psychological – which will need to be addressed, as the investigator needs to collect as much evidence (particularly perishable evidence which might be washed away, blown away or destroyed) as quickly as possible.
During this initial risk assessment the RPAS cameras (video/stills/thermal/Infrared) are capturing this evidence. This imagery will then be used in real time to assist with communicating the situation to other agencies. This helps confirm the extent of the accident site or even control access, if required.
RPAS allows the investigator to conduct a dynamic risk assessment from a distance whilst also capturing the evidence required with video and stills. Previously helicopters or fixed wing aircraft might have been chartered to provide this service. This is expensive and not always practical.
Based upon the utility outlined above RPAS technology is currently being used by state level investigation agencies including UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) and the UK Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB).
This technology is improving week by week, and some of the best results are being achieved with some of the smallest and most readily available systems.
A key point to the success of their deployment is that they are operated legally and safely by professionals who understand the airspace in which they might operate, but also the hazards present at the accident.
Cranfield University is leading the way in this field. At the Safety and Accident Investigation Centre we continue to test theories and push investigative/research boundaries on the accident site. Flying a range of drones, with a wide array of sensors, we aim to enhance current accident investigation techniques. But more than this we aim to revolutionise how evidence is gathered, analysed and then promulgated to the public and wider safety community.
An example of this is our work with 3D models. We are pioneering new 3D modelling techniques in order to provide accurate, measurable 3D models of accident sites (using the video and stills captured for evidence collection, then applying photogrammetry techniques to convert these images to 3 D models). These can then be used for investigative analysis, and as graphic representation in final accident reports.
This is a hugely exciting area of research, which utilises new and innovative drone technology and gives us an advantage when investigating serious accidents and incidents. Constantly looking to the future, our aim is to continue to be the centre of excellence with regard to this novel and innovative approach.
Categories & Tags:
Leave a comment on this post:
You might also like…
Sign up to our ‘Making your research open access’ webinar – 9 February
Do you know your green from your gold? What are publisher deals, and how can they help you? My paper acknowledges UKRI funding, do I need to do anything special? What does an author accepted ...
How the Executive Logistics and Supply Chain Management MSc improved my career outlook
Hear from Harrison Jnr Ilodiwe, Executive Logistics and Supply Chain Management MSc, on his student experience at Cranfield. Why did you choose to study the Executive Logistics and Supply Chain Management MSc at Cranfield ...
Engineering problem to solve? Let Knovel help you find a solution
Did you know that Knovel provides you with more than just eBooks? Knovel is a key database for many engineering, mechanical and materials courses here at Cranfield University, and contains content from an extensive range ...
Working on your group project? We can help!
When undertaking a group project, typically you'll need to investigate a topic, decide on a methodology for your investigation, gather and collate information and data, share your findings with each other, and then formally report ...
Words matter – a conversational Integrated Vehicle Health Management lexicon
There are many well established barriers to successful digital transformation which prevent full realisation of desired benefits. It is generally recognised that only 30% of digital transformation efforts deliver these results. One of the ...
Library support for new research students
Welcome! We are very excited to welcome you to Cranfield, and we are looking forward to supporting you throughout your research degree. We are always happy to help you – all you need to do ...
I would imagine that quadcopters are the drones of choice for use in these situations. What about fixed wing systems?