Ted Fujita’s ‘unsung’ contributions as a forensic meteorology consultant

Dr. T. Theodore Fujita is acclaimed in Jeff Rosenfeld’s article in the May/June 1999 issue of Weatherwise as “probably the best meteorological detective who ever lived.” His published works on mesoanalysis, tornado genesis and climatology, post storm analysis of tornado damage, behavior and intensity, and microbursts and downbursts are landmark publications.

A little known, and heretofore totally unpublicized role of Dr. Fujita’s work was as a consultant in forensic meteorology. Stemming from his involvement “behind the scenes” in the meteorological analyses involving the major airline crashes of Pan American 759 at New Orleans, LA on 9 July, 1982 and Delta 191 at Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas on 2 August 1985, both described in his published works, Dr. Fujita served as a “consultant” in a number of cases in litigation requiring the services of forensic meteorologists.

Accepting no personal remuneration, though permitting contributions to the Wind Research Laboratory at the University of Chicago, he solved complex meteorological “mysteries” involving tornadoes, microbursts, “mini-swirls” and derechos which caused damages leading to litigation.

Dr. Fujita enjoyed the challenge of tracking the motion of twisted metal; analyzing the time sequence of overlapping oil stains on the downwind side of an oil storage tank; tracking the final moments of aircraft on departure or approach to New Orleans, Dallas-Fort Worth, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, Charlotte, NC or “wherever.”

He “solved the mystery” of one or two (doubling the insurance proceeds) tornadoes at a ski lodge in Connecticut.

Whether on a platform lift strapped to flat bed trailer taking photos at anemometer - and tree top - level; in the woods of Jacksonville, NC “downwinds” of badly damaged Triangle Mobile Home Park; in a helicopter over Miami; on an oil tank at Galveston, TX; on a warehouse roof at Mt. Pleasant, SC; or in an open field north of Runway 17L at DFW; Dr. Fujita found clues in the tire tracks, tree tops heights, oil’s stains, direction of tree falls, trajectory of airborne twisted metal, slight shifts in anemometer wind traces and a myriad of clues overlooked by others.

He stated “such field trips improved the view from the academic ‘Ivory Tower’ and were stimulating in [his] effort to improve public safety - especially air safety.”

Several examples of the results of Ted’s analyses are briefly illustrated.

Those privileged to work with him and those who benefitted from his insight are grateful for this “unsung hero” part of his truly humble and unpublished contributions which have benefitted so many.