What are the requirements and procedures for an aircraft accident investigation?

In California, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is responsible for leading investigations into aircraft accidents. To begin the investigation process, NTSB personnel will first collect pertinent information and evidence from the crash site. This includes items such as the aircraft’s black box (the flight data recorder), the attitude indicator, the pitot tube, and any other pertinent evidence. The NTSB will also review the aircraft owner’s maintenance logs and pilot’s logs to determine if there was any negligence or improper maintenance involved in the accident. The NTSB then works to determine the probable cause of the accident. This is typically accomplished by way of interview with the pilot, witnesses, and family members of the victims, as well as through the review of any medical or weather records that may affect the aircraft. Once the probable cause is determined, the NTSB will issue a report outlining the results of the investigation. In addition to the investigation, the NTSB also has the authority to issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents. The agency will examine what went wrong in the accident and make recommendations to improve safety in the aviation industry. These recommendations can help prevent similar accidents from occurring in the future. It is important to note that the NTSB does not assign legal blame or civil liability in an accident, nor does the agency make any recommendation to do so. The NTSB is solely responsible for determining the probable cause of the accident and making safety recommendations.

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