Ross E. Ott, P.E., IAAI-CFI (V), NAFI-CFEI
Senior Consultant
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Expert QuestionS & AnswerS
Having testified as an expert witness, what is the most challenging aspect of presenting mechanical and electrical failure investigation findings in a way that resonates with judges and juries?
Simplicity and clarity matter as much as technical expertise. The most challenging aspect of presenting to a judge and jury is to make the concepts, analysis and narrative of opinions understandable so that appropriate judgements can be made.
Vehicle fire investigations involve both mechanical and electrical systems. What is your approach to isolating the ignition source when so much evidence is consumed by the fire itself?
Much of the evidence which is consumed consists of plastics and the like; however, many ignition sources and potential failures which can be determined based on remaining evidence include electrical conductors and connections which still remain, and engine components, including the block, which leave identifiable evidence that remains even after very large fires. For example, a cracked high pressure fuel line in a semi-truck can still be reliably leak checked after a complete burn of the truck.
What do you wish more people understood about the work you do in mechanical and electrical engineering?
The engineering work of forensics is simply following the scientific method in a documented way. Everyone uses the scientific method to figure out day to day solutions to even basic problems. Applying engineering principles to more complex problems allow the process to be documented, and appropriate, reliable conclusions to be drawn from the collected data.
Background
Mr. Ross Ott holds a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering and is a registered professional engineer in Texas, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Louisiana, Kentucky, Arkansas, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee. He is also a Certified Fire Investigator with Vehicle Fire Endorsement and Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator with more than 16 years of forensic engineering and fire investigation experience.
Since 2009, he has conducted or participated in more than 1500 forensic investigations, including fire origin and cause, and forensic electrical and mechanical inspections for the purpose of analyzing potential fire-causing failures. He has testified in trials and depositions and provided expert opinions, adhering to the current guidelines set forth in National Fire Protection Association 921, Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations.
Mr. Ott’s areas of expertise include investigating residential and commercial building fires, natural gas and propane explosions, chimney and solid-fuel burning appliance fire investigation (including wood-burning stoves, fireplaces, and pellet stoves), vehicle fires, appliance fire investigation and failure analysis (including gas and electric residential clothes dryers, ranges, dehumidifiers, etc.), laboratory testing and examination, temperature studies, evidence collection, mechanical systems, vehicles, and residential electrical systems.
Education and Certifications
- Mechanical Engineering, B.S.: Western Michigan University (2009)
- Registered Professional Engineer: Texas (#130337), Michigan (#6201061039), Indiana (#PE11500527), Illinois (#062.070229), Louisiana (#44968), Kentucky (#33474), Arkansas (#20381), Mississippi (#32147), North Carolina (#053798), South Carolina (#40034), Georgia (#PE049260), and Tennessee (#125479)
- Certified Fire Investigator: International Association of Arson Investigators (#05-012964)
- Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator: National Association of Fire Investigators (#15394-8486)
- Certified Chimney Sweep: Chimney Safety Institute of America (#7709)
Contact Information
Testimony Experience
- Depositions
- Trials