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CRASH3 plays an important role in the development of accident data files, and in addition it is often used for reconstructing specific accidents. Had it been intended from the outset for this latter purpose, its development may have progressed along slightly different lines. It is now appropriate to examine the use of CRASH3 in specific accidents, the use of available crash test data, and the nature of the likely CRASH3 user. Suitably accounted for, all these factors would have a significant influence on the design of accident reconstruction algorithms, including any contemplated revisions of CRASH3. Such considerations are the subject of this paper.

Published data relevant to snowmobile crash reconstruction is comparatively limited, especially pertaining to mountain snowmobiling and riding in deep snow. Snowmobiling is a unique motorsport activity as it requires substantial rider input and physical interaction to properly control the vehicle. The added complexities of varying slope angle and snow depth in mountain terrain make application of test data from testing done on flat surfaces less useful when applied to sloped terrain analysis. New data from testing performed in deep snow conditions on various slopes is presented in this paper. Acceleration tests were performed using two late model mountain snowmobiles from a stop on various slope angles. Additional related factors such as snow density, trenching, and snow mass momentum exchange are also discussed. Comparison of these test results to previously published snowmobile testing data advances the understanding of snowmobile acceleration parameters into mountain terrain.