ABSTRACT
Differentiation of a pilot from a passenger is said to be possible by the finding of “control surface injuries.” These are alleged to occur when the forces generated by the impact of the crash are transmitted to the pilot’s arms and legs through the aircraft controls. Control surface injuries of the arms consist of lacerations of the palms, fractures of the carpal and metacarpal bones, and fractures of the distal radius and ulna. In the legs, there are fractures of the tarsal and metatarsals and of the distal tibia and fibula. In a review of 100 aircraft fatalities, however, Campman and Bexfield found a high incidence of these injuries in the passengers as well.
