The Role Of Forensic Experts In Aircraft Accident Investigations: A Multidisciplinary Review

Aviation disasters, while infrequent, result in high mortality and complex investigative challenges that demand a multidisciplinary forensic approach. Forensic experts play a pivotal role in identifying victims, analyzing injury patterns, collecting toxicological evidence, and contributing to crash reconstruction. The recent Air India Flight 171 crash in Ahmedabad, which resulted in 260 deaths, has brought renewed attention to the critical but often overlooked role of forensic science in aviation disaster response in India. Despite its importance, aviation forensics remains one of the least explored areas within forensic medicine, especially in low- and middle-income countries. This review aims to consolidate the current practices, competencies, and technological advances in aviation forensic investigations, while emphasizing the need for national preparedness, standardization, and training.