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

An aircraft accident investigation is a detailed review that is conducted to determine what caused an accident. In the District of Columbia, the requirements and procedures for an aircraft accident investigation are governed by the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The NTSB is required to investigate aviation accidents in the District of Columbia and other areas within the United States. Generally, the NTSB investigates all civil aviation accidents resulting in death or serious injury or damage to property, and some “general aviation” accidents, depending upon the severity and nature of the incident. First, the NTSB will assess the scene of the accident and collect evidence that may be pertinent to the investigation. These evidence can include aircraft wreckage, cockpit recordings, air traffic control communication, and witness statements. The NTSB will then reconstruct the events leading up to the accident and examine the aircraft for any malfunctions or system failures. Once the investigation is complete, the NTSB will issue a report that outlines the cause of the accident, along with any safety recommendations that may stem from the findings. It is important to note that aircraft accident investigations can take several months to complete. The NTSB must conduct a thorough, comprehensive investigation to gain an accurate understanding of the events that led to the accident. As such, an aircraft accident investigation is likely to be a lengthy process.

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