The crash of the Partnair Convair 340/580 in the Skagerrak: identification of the deceased

Aviat Space Environ Med. 1995 Feb;66(2):158-63.

Abstract

In 1989, a Norwegian Convair aircraft crashed into the sea near the northwest coast of Jutland. Apparently, the aircraft had disintegrated in midair. On board were 50 passengers and a crew of 5. There were no survivors. Immediately after the crash 31 bodies were found. During the next 10 days, 11 bodies were recovered from the seabed and within the next 6 months, a further 8 bodies were found. Five bodies were never recovered. All the bodies found were positively identified based on personal effects combined with medical and dental findings. Different models for cooperation between the Primary ID-group, who were responsible for the final identification, and the ID-teams, who performed the examination of the bodies, were tested. It was concluded that the fastest and most reliable results were obtained when the ID-teams responsible for the examination of the bodies also took part in the reconciliation sessions.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Accidents, Aviation*
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Autopsy
  • Denmark
  • Dental Records
  • Dermatoglyphics
  • Disasters*
  • Female
  • Forensic Medicine / methods*
  • Forensic Medicine / organization & administration
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Norway
  • Photography
  • Postmortem Changes*
  • Tattooing