Services
Performed by

Accident investigations conducted to date are spread across a wide spectrum of aircraft, helicopters, yachts, powerplants , mechanical systems , machinery, products, and fires. All investigations analyze the cause-and-effect relationships involved to determine the root cause of the accident.

The "typical" accident investigation consists of site documentation and detailed inspections of the component and system(s) involved. Current and historical records are reviewed. Applicable engineering, manufacturing, maintenance and operational records are also examined.

Instrumentation, documentation and analysis of the component are performed that is specific to the issues at hand. Exemplar artifacts are located and are inspected as part of the investigation process. Specialized testing is also usually performed. Facts are documented, reports are written and everything is performed with the expectation of presentation at trial.

Product design evaluation concerns how a product functionally performs. In a sense, product design evaluation is a subset of failure analysis, usually performed during prototype testing or design development. Product design evaluation applies failure analysis concepts to the product during the design process to reduce the chances of failure once the component is placed into service.

To complement the many varied internal capabilities of HyTech, we have also developed relationships over the many years with an extensive network of local Chicagoland inspection, test, overhaul and analytical facilities. The relationships developed with these facilities allow HyTech to use some of the newest and most sophisticated laboratory equipment with qualified operators, ensuring that our client's needs are met in an economical and timely manner. Together we provide the following inspection and test capabilities:

Measurements and data acquisition for: temperature, electrical (current and voltage), pressure, force and displacement values
Aviation powerplant and component testing
Medical device laboratory support
Materials testing
Environmental testing
Sound and vibration testing
CMM and laser dimensional measuring / reverse engineering
Additive manufacturing (3D printing) of prototypes and models

Usually the “typical” aviation airframe and/or powerplant accident is reported to the insurance carrier and is submitted as a claim against the insured’s policy. Sometimes even when there are no legal proceedings the insurance company might still require the accident to be thoroughly investigated to determine and substantiate the extent of the insurance company’s liability.

When a claim is determined to be covered under the insured’s policy, the focus shifts to helping the insurance company resolve the technical matters correctly and as quickly and cost-effectively as possible. Facts are documented and written reports are provided to the insurance company in a timely manner.

In addition to HyTech’ s own accident investigation that results in litigation, we are sometimes asked to assist another testifying expert; or provide independent third party accident site and/or artifact documentation. In addition, handling of the artifacts that have been determined by the other parties involved to be consequential to the root cause is provided.

Demonstrative modeling, graphics, virtual reality presentations and video animations have always been a part of the process of conveying complex technical and scientific data into a visual format that helps everyone understand the important ideas and relationships in a complex scenario.

HyTech has fabricated actual component cut-a-ways, full to smaller scaled mock-ups or even simple models demonstrating system functions and/or basic engineering principals.

HyTech has also created some very detailed graphics, virtual reality presentations and video animations that have shown great success in the courtroom.

Accident Investigations

Product Design

Insurance Claims

Litigation Support

Fabrication Services