How are aircraft accidents investigated and what are the legal actions that can be taken?

In the unfortunate event of an aircraft accident in California, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will investigate the accident and identify its cause. The board will use data collected from the aircraft, air traffic control, and any other pertinent sources, as well as examining the wreckage and any eye-witness accounts to the accident. The NTSB will then produce a written report detailing the causes and contributing factors of the accident, which is used to identify potential changes to aircraft and air traffic regulations to prevent future accidents. The legal action that can be taken after an aircraft accident depends on the specific circumstances of the accident. Family members of deceased passengers may file a wrongful death lawsuit against the airline. If a pilot or engineering staff made an error during the flight, they may be held accountable for negligence or recklessness. The airline itself may be subject to a lawsuit, based on their culpability in the accident. In some cases, a criminal investigation may be opened to identify potential negligence or criminal activity. Depending on the outcome of the investigation, a criminal case may be filed against the responsible party. In all cases, the NTSB report is a valuable source of information used during the investigations and potential legal action that follows an aircraft accident. The report is used to identify the cause of the accident and identify targets of legal action. By using the NTSB report to guide legal action, victims of an aircraft accident can receive justice and hold airlines and personnel accountable for their mistakes.

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