What type of investigation is done to determine the cause of a plane crash?

Airplane crashes are among the most thoroughly investigated incidents in the United States. When a plane crash occurs, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is called in to conduct a full investigation. The NTSB is comprised of a team of investigators with diverse backgrounds, including aviation mechanics and engineers, aviation safety experts, and an accident reconstruction specialist. The NTSB’s investigation process is divided into four stages: document review and analysis, interviews with individuals involved, physical evidence collection and examination, and analysis of evidence. The NTSB begins by preparing a factual report to document the initial circumstances of the crash. They review air traffic control transcripts and audio recordings, dispatch logs, aircraft maintenance records, training records, and interviews with the crew. Investigators then gather physical evidence from the crash site, including aircraft parts, computers and other systems, components, and the flight data and cockpit voice recorders. Using this evidence, the NTSB team conducts a detailed examination of the aircraft, simulates flight conditions and operations, and conducts additional interviews with people who may have witnessed the accident. Once all of the evidence is reviewed, investigators use their findings to create a probable cause of the crash and publish their findings in a final report. This report may recommend changes to the aviation regulations, such as mandatory safety checks or improved pilot training. The NTSB’s findings are then used by the U.S. government, aviation industry, and individual states, such as California, to improve aviation safety.

What type of investigation is done to determine the cause of a plane crash?

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