The Strange Case of Mole Airlines Flight 1023
You and your CSI team are called to the scene of a plane crash. The plane shows evidence of a pre-crash
explosion. The site of the explosion has a compound with the following analysis: 37.01% carbon, 2.22% hydrogen,
18.5% nitrogen, and 42.27% oxygen. The victims are found in and around the crash and must be identified by the
substance or substances found in their belongings or in their bodies since dental records are not available. Further
evidence reveals that one person was murdered before the plane went down with the time of death established as
one hour before the crash.
Your job is to:
1. Use the percent composition data to determine the empirical formulas and identities for the compounds found
at the crash site. (You must show all work on separate paper and turn it in with your final answers).
2. Use personal data to make a probable identification of each victim.
3. Determine who was murdered and who is the most probable murderer.
VICTIM
#
1.
2.
%C
ANALYSIS OF COMPOUND
%H
%N
WHERE FOUND
%O
67.31
63.15
6.98
5.30
4.62
21.10
31.55
46.66
4.48
31.1
17.76
3.
4.
5.
72.15
15.87
75.42
7.08
2.22
6.63
4.68
18.51
8.38
16.03
63.41
9.57
stomach (b)
pockets
blood & pockets
blood (a)
6.
7.
37.01
57.14
80.48
2.22
6.16
7.45
18.5
9.52
9.39
42.27
27.18
2.68
luggage (b)
stomach
briefcase (a)
81.58
60.00
8.90
4.48
9.52
8.
35.53
63.56
6.00
9.27
luggage (b)
pocket &
briefcase(a)
21.17
blood & luggage
briefcase (a)
pocket &
briefcase(b)
Use the table below to identify each of the compounds described above.
NAME
codeine
cocaine
aspirin
vanilla
trinitrotoluene
nitroglycerine
curare
thiobromine
strychnine
dimetacrine
acetaminophen
aspartame
POSSIBLE COMPOUNDS
FORMULA
NOTES
C18H21NO3 painkiller, prescription, controlled
C17H21NO4
narcotic, illegal
C9H8O4
pain killer
C8H8O3
flavoring
C7H5N3O6
explosive
C3H5N3O9
explosive, heart medication
C40H44N4O
poison
C7H8N4O2
chocolate (flavoring)
C21H22N2O2
rat poison
C10H13N
antidepressant, prescription
C8H9NO2
pain killer (Tylenol)
C14H18N2O5 artificial sweetener (NutraSweet)
The Flight List of Passengers and Crew:
Amadeo Oldere - the pilot, has a heart condition
Connie Majors - pharmacist
Jim LeClaire – baker
Archie Starr - teacher addicted to sugar free drinks
Bob (Reno) Henderson - pro athlete suspended for
drug violations
Lisa Jo- environmental engineer, severely depressed
Bill (Cadillac) Jackson - suspected drug dealer
Norm Anderson - suspected leader of a terrorist
organization
Name of investigator____________________________________________________#____
Strange Case of Mole Airlines Flight 1023 - Answer Sheet
Remember - you must show all work on separate paper and staple it to this page when you turn it in.
VICTIM #
NAME OF SUBSTANCE FOUND
1.
2.
a.
b.
3.
4.
5.
a.
b.
6.
7.
a.
b.
8.
a.
b.
1. What was the chemical at the crash site?
2. Who was the murderer?
3. Who was the murder victim?
4. Who blew up the plane?
VICTIM'S NAME
Names of investigators________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Strange Case of Mole Airlines Flight 1023 - Answer Sheet
Remember - you must show all work on separate paper and staple it to this page when you turn it in.
VICTIM #
NAME OF SUBSTANCE FOUND
1.
2.
a.
VICTIM'S NAME
Bob Henderson (Bill Jackson)
Jim LeClair
b.
Bill Jackson (Bob Henderson)
3.
Amadeo Oldere
4.
5.
a.
Norm Anderson
b.
Archie Starr
6.
7.
a.
Lisa Johnson
b.
8.
a.
b.
1. What was the chemical at the crash site? TNT
2. Who was the murderer? Lisa Johnson
3. Who was the murder victim? Norm Anderson
4. Who blew up the plane? Norm Anderson
Connie Majors