Gas Turbine Engine Accident Investigation (GTAI)
Course Description
This specialized accident investigation course is directed to fixed wing turbojet, turboprop, and turbofan as well as turbine powered rotary wing aircraft. The course examines specific gas turbine engine investigation methods/techniques and provides technical information in the related area of material factors and metallurgical failure investigation. This is a fundamental accident investigation course. Individuals with many years of engine investigations may find this course too basic. It is assumed that the attendee has a basic understanding of jet engines.
The Gas Turbine Accident Investigation (GTAI) course includes numerous case studies and a hands-on accident lab exercise using two Honeywell TPE331-10 engines. Participants learn the inner-workings of various gas turbine engine components, their characteristics, and how engine wreckage is examined during aviation accident investigations. Students learn how to identify rotational damage signatures, ingestion damage signatures, fire damage signatures, and uncontained damage signatures to determine the state of the engine operation during the accident/incident sequence.
Objectives: To provide the participant with the basic skills and knowledge to effectively examine the involvement of a turbine engine in an aircraft accident.
Who Should Attend: Individuals with responsibility in the post-accident examination of gas turbine engine and individuals responsible for integration of engine information into the total accident investigation.
Course Outline
- Aviation Gas Turbine Engine Accident Investigation
- Types of Gas Turbine Engines
- Gas Turbine Design, Concepts, & Nomenclature
- Basic Engine Design
- Gas Turbine Engine Operating Characteristics
- Gas Turbine Engine Mounting
- Engine/Aircraft Interfaces
- Basic Engine Systems
- Investigation Process & Role of the Powerplant Investigator
- Investigation Best Practices
- Engine Analytical Disassembly Investigation
- Engine Speed Signatures at Impact
- Types of In-Flight Events Which Are Investigated (with numerous Case Studies)
- Engine Ingestion, Engine Fires
- Uncontained Engine, Parts Falling Off Propulsion Systems
- Impact Case Studies
- Accident Lab Investigation
- Investigation Report Documentation
- Material Factors
- Investigation Procedures
- Basic Metallurgy of Gas Turbine Materials
- Failure Analysis – Fundamentals and Mechanical Factors
- Failure Analysis – Fracture Mechanisms
- Engine Component Investigation Examples
- Case Study
CEU: 3.2
Course Duration: 4.5 Days
Tuition: $3,300 (July 2025-2026)
This program is open to all eligible individuals. The Aviation Safety and Security Program operates all of its programs and activities consistent with the University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination. Eligibility is not determined based on race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited factor.