REPORT ON DATA RETRIEVAL AND ANALYSIS OF USAF SONIC BOOM CLAIMS FILES

Generally, about three-fourths of all alleged claims for damage involved single family structures. Commercial structures accounted for one- sixth of the claims with multifamily structures, automobiles, miscellaneous structures, and people and animals constituting less than 10 percent. The structures were 84 percent owner occupied, 90 percent in fair-to-sound condition, 90 percent of one and two stories, and about 50 percent built after World War II. Glass, plaster, and 'other' types of damage were almost equally claimed in single family residences; however, glass was by far the predominant type in commercial structures--78 percent. The average paid claim alleged damage of $93, though payment averaged $72. Of all claims, the proportions of single family paid and denied claims were about the same. On the other hand, claims for commercial and multifamily structures were more likely to be paid-- two to three times more likely for commercial establishments and 25 to 50 percent more likely for multifamily structures.