I always questioned the utility of these types of forensic cases in mass tragedies. What is the purpose when everybody knows the manner and cause of death? Just to have a legal, documented record in case of there's some type of investigation or to provide closure for families, I guess. But it's not like you're looking for a MI the moment before the accident, or carbon monoxide poisoning thus pointing to foul play. Any of which I guess is possible, but unlikely...[/QUOTE
Your question is valid and very typical of people with limited aerospace forensic exposure.
The answer is long and complicated. Just a couple points:
Terrorism- everything is looked at for bomb evidence. Films and types of body injuries can help. Toxicology on all crew. Determine who was flying.
We’re they alive in a fire? The whole evaluation is very integrated with the hardware experts. Of supreme importance is accurate i’d of the dead and
getting remains together. Ain’t easy when a DC 10 goes down with
freshly filled tanks. I could go on and at each point folks say” Hmm, never thought about that”.