significance  of  the  investigator's  finding.  While  the investigator's report must contain a detailed write-up of the damage, it is still true that one picture can often take the place of many words (fig. 6-10). The investigator should  use  photographs  as  another  tool  in  complete  and accurate  reporting.  Each  photograph  included  in  the report should purport to show a separate point or detail relative  to  the  accident. When evidence is to be presented, get a good picture of it. You are not a mind reader and cannot be expected to  get  the  pictures  that  are  contained  only  in  the investigator’s  mind.  Normally,  you  must  ask  the investigator exactly what is to be photographed. Pertinent photographs of the following details are always  required: General view of the scene along the wreckage pattern to the point of first contact. Aerial view of the accident scene (aircraft). Damage to objects struck BUNO or license plate. All major parts of the wreckage. Detailed view of the cockpit, instrument panels, switch settings, and control handles (aircraft). Engines and propellers. Wheels and landing gear assemblies (aircraft). All parts involved in, or suspected of structural failure, or of having contributed directly to the accident. These photographs should have sufficient detail to show the grain of the metal at the failure point or other detailed information, such as the direction of shear of the rivets. Any failed part that has been established as the cause of the accident or is believed to be significant to the cause of the accident should be photographed in detail. When  photographing  small,  important  pieces  of evidence, the parts should not only be photographed in the field but they should be removed from the scene and photographed  in  the  studio  under  controlled  conditions. This ensures that the photographs of the items in question are clear and well defined. It is a good practice to photograph the failed part and an undamaged like item in the same exposure so the failure is readily apparent. To avoid confusion, you should assign all aircraft accident  photographs  exhibit  numbers  and  carry descriptive  captions  to  point  out  the  details  of  evidence to  which  they  contribute.  A  picture  without  an explanation  is  confusing  and  worthless. Each  aircraft  accident  photograph  should  be  readily identifiable, and to ensure this necessary requirement, you must identify all photographs with the following information: Date  of  accident Location  of  accident Type of accident Type of aircraft BUNO  of  aircraft Part  and  part  number  (where  applicable) Squadron Aircraft  accident  report  number Special handling note according to OPNAVINST 5290.1 At a minimum, the following items should be included in your camera bag for an accident or arson scene: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. Camera and normal lens Wide  angle  and  telephoto  lenses Flash unit and extra batteries Large amount of color and film Extra sync cord for the flash Flashlight Note pad and pen Macro lens or closeup filters Surgical  gloves Ruler Tape  measure black-and-white PRODUCT PHOTOGRAPHY Product, or illustrative, photography is used to show and explain an object more completely and concisely than  is  possible  with  words  alone.  By  using  the photographic medium, it is possible to illustrate a variety of items to show size, shape, location, and condition. In the Navy, product, or illustrative, photography is used to show new equipment-from ships to pencil sharpeners and  from  buildings  under  construction  to  damaged 6-21