ARTICLE TYPE : CASE REPORT
Published on : 01 Oct 2026,
Volume - 2
Journal Title :
WebLog Journal of Forensic Science and Criminology
| WebLog J Forensic Sci Criminol
| WJFSC
Source URL:
https://weblogoa.com/articles/wjfsc.2026.j0105
Permanent Identifier (DOI) :
Forensic Reconstruction of an Anomalous Airborne Vehicle Trajectory Following Bridge Impact: A Physics-Based Case Study Using Projectile Motion Analysis
2Deputy Director, Regional Forensic Science Laboratory, Mysore, Government of Karnataka, India
3Scientific Officer, Regional Forensic Science Laboratory, Hubballi, Government of Karnataka, India
Abstract
Reconstruction of Forensic Road Traffic Accidents (RTA) often relies on physical evidence such as tyre marks, skid marks, deformation patterns on vehicle, electronic vehicle data, and witness statements. In some rare road accident investigations, however, conventional indicators of vehicle speed are insufficient and making reliable accidence reconstruction challenging. Under such circumstances, the application of classical mechanics provides a scientific theory for determining the motion vehicle. The present study describes and analyzes an unusual accident of SUV car that became airborne after impact with a roadside small bridge structure. The main aim of this study is to reconstruct the accident sequence and to estimate the approximate vehicle speed based on physical evidence, damages found on vehicle, trajectory characteristics, and projectile motion principles. The detailed analysis of the airborne trajectory of the vehicle in crime scene demonstrated that the vehicle travelled approximately 17.68 m through the air after impact with a road side bridge structure and before ground contact. Based on the equation of motion-free-fall equations and analysis of the horizontal projectile motion of the vehicle, the post-impact speed was estimated to lie within a plausible range of 120-130 km/h. This estimation demonstrates the principle of physics in RTA and describes airborne trajectory applications can provide scientifically defensible opinions in the absence of traditional speed indicators.
Keywords: Forensic Physics; Accident Reconstruction; Projectile Motion; Airborne Vehicle; Vehicle Dynamics; Speed Estimation; Forensic Engineering
Citation
Limbitot M, Chandrashekhara, Shivaraja I. Forensic Reconstruction of an Anomalous Airborne Vehicle Trajectory Following Bridge Impact: A Physics-Based Case Study Using Projectile Motion Analysis. WebLog J Forensic Sci Criminol. wjfsc.2026.j0105. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23301677