Anthony Yurko

Biography

Tony is a highly experienced Mechanical Engineer with a diverse background in engineering consulting, accident reconstruction, and forensic analysis. Raised in West Virginia, he earned his degree in Mechanical Engineering from West Virginia University. After graduation, Tony began his career at Allegany Ballistics Laboratory (ABL) in western Maryland, where he designed, tested, and manufactured solid propellant rocket motors—earning the distinction of a “rocket scientist.” During this time, Tony also obtained his Professional Engineer (PE) license.

After his tenure at ABL, Tony transitioned into consulting engineering, specializing in accident reconstruction and general mechanical engineering assignments. He has been deposed numerous times and has provided expert testimony in court on various accident reconstruction cases and other engineering matters. Tony is also HAAG certified, which has proven invaluable for numerous civil assignments following catastrophic weather events, and he is a Certified Fire Investigator.

With over 10 years of experience providing consulting services to the insurance industry, legal professionals, private companies, and individuals, Tony has worked on large loss and scope of damage assignments. He is licensed in 13 states and is available to provide expert answers and resolutions to a wide range of engineering challenges.

Credentials

• PE | Professional Engineer
• HAAG Certified Inspector - Residential
• NAFI Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI #16707-9045)
• NAFI Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator (CVFI #16707-9045v)

Representative Consulting Assignments

• Paint Factory Explosion | Columbus, Ohio | Evaluate if newly installed manway on mixing kettle contributed to release of explosive gas
• Aluminum Wheel Manufacturing Plant | Akron, Ohio | Evaluation of the damage scope and reparability of damages to equipment due to fire
• Pharmaceutical Plant | Indianapolis, Indiana | Evaluation of multiple boiler failures to a newly installed hot water system
• Single Vehicle Rollover Resulting in Ejection and Death | Charleston, West Virginia | Determine who was driving using ballistic analysis of ejected person
• Two Vehicle Accident | Charleston, West Virginia | Determine who ran red light
• Roof Exam | Cleveland, Ohio | Determine if roof is damaged due to wind and hail
• Tree Strike to Residence | Lansing, Michigan | Determine scope of damage due to tree strike
• Chimney Exam | Cincinnati, Ohio | Determine if chimney flue is damaged due to chimney fire
• Gas Release from 60 lb Propane Tank | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Determine if propane tank was overfilled

Professional Experience

• 2024 - Current | Senior Managing Engineer | YA Engineering Services
• 2011 - 2024 | Consulting Engineer | Engineering Design & Testing Corp.
• 1987 - 2010 | Mechanical Engineer | Allegany Ballistics Laboratory

Area of Practice

• Accident Reconstruction
• Damage Assessment
• Failure Analysis
• Fire Origin & Cause
• HVAC and Mechanical Systems
• Motorcycle Accident Reconstruction
• Plumbing Systems
• Roofing
• Failure Analysis of Materials and Components

Publications and Presentations

• Case Studies in Graphitic Corrosion of Cast Iron Pipe, Journal of Failure Analysis and Prevention, Volume 21, Number 2, 2021.
• “Affordable High-Performance Composite Case Rocket Motor Manufacturing,” AIAA-2005 3610, July 2005.

Education

• West Virginia University - Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering - Morgantown - West Virginia
• West Virginia University - Master of Science - Mechanical Engineering - Morgantown - West Virginia
• Frostburg State University - Master of Business Administration - Frostburg - Maryland

Affiliations

• American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
• National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE)
• Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
• National Association of Professional Accident
• Reconstruction Specialist (NAPARS)
• National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI)
• International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI)

Licenses

• PE.75822 - Ohio - Professional Engineer
• PE079007 - Pennsylvania - Professional Engineer
• 103195 - New York - Professional Engineer
• 6201064001 - Michigan - Professional Engineer
• PE11600217 - Indiana - Professional Engineer
• 49598-6 - Wisconsin - Professional Engineer
• 016217 - West Virginia - Professional Engineer
• 27900 - Kentucky - Professional Engineer
• 31467 - Maryland - Professional Engineer
• 0402051102 - Virginia - Professional Engineer
• PEN.0033046 - Connecticut - Professional Engineer
• 15729 - New Hampshire - Professional Engineer
• 34100-PE - Alabama - Professional Engineer