Test Type: Forensic and Failure Analysis

Case Study: Motorcycle Accident

A motorcycle was involved in an automobile accident that occurred after dark. EMSL Analytical was asked to determine if the headlight of the motorcycle was on or off at the time of the accident. Examination of the filament of the smashed headlight using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Microanalysis (EDX) found the presence of microscopic glass fragments bound to the filament (see picture). This finding indicated that the filament was incandescent at the time of the accident.