ASI - Aviation Safety Inspector Accident and Incident Investigation Questions and Answers

Question 1

An aircraft experiences an in-flight failure of a single engine on a multi-engine aircraft.
The pilot performs a precautionary shutdown and lands safely at the nearest suitable airport.
There are no injuries and the only damage is internal to the failed engine.
According to NTSB Part 830, what is the operator's immediate responsibility?

Accepted Answer

Immediate notification to the NTSB is required.

Answer

No notification is required because there was no substantial damage to the airframe.

Answer

A written report must be filed with the NTSB within 10 days.

Answer

The event must be reported to the local FAA FSDO within 24 hours.

Question 2

During a formal NTSB investigation of a major aviation accident, what is the primary role of the FAA Aviation Safety Inspector (ASI) participating as a member of the Go-Team?

Accepted Answer

To serve as a technical advisor to the NTSB and determine if regulatory non-compliance was a factor.

Answer

To act as the official spokesperson for the investigation to the media.

Answer

To determine the probable cause of the accident and issue safety recommendations.

Answer

To represent the interests of the air carrier and its flight crew.

Question 3

According to the definitions in NTSB Part 830, which of the following scenarios constitutes an 'aircraft accident' that requires immediate notification?

Accepted Answer

A hard landing that results in a passenger suffering a fractured ankle and the aircraft's landing gear sustaining damage requiring major repair.

Answer

An in-flight fire that is extinguished by the crew with no resulting damage to the aircraft structure or injury to persons.

Answer

A collision with a ground vehicle during taxi that dents the wing's leading edge but does not affect its structural integrity.

Answer

The complete failure of the aircraft's primary navigation system while in IFR conditions, forcing a diversion, but resulting in a safe landing.

Question 4

An ASI is the first federal official on the scene of a general aviation accident in a remote field. According to NTSB Part 830, what is the most critical initial responsibility regarding the aircraft wreckage?

Accepted Answer

To ensure the wreckage and associated records are preserved and protected from disturbance or further damage.

Answer

To begin interviewing witnesses to develop an initial theory of the cause.

Answer

To document the site with photographs before moving components to a secure hangar.

Answer

To recover the aircraft logbooks and flight recorders for immediate FAA analysis.

Question 5

The operator of an aircraft that was involved in an occurrence defined as an 'accident' under NTSB Part 830 must file a formal report. What is the deadline for filing this report?

Accepted Answer

Within 10 days after the accident.

Answer

Immediately, by the most expeditious means available.

Answer

Within 7 days of the accident.

Answer

A report is only required if requested by the NTSB.

Question 6

Which of the following events is specifically listed in NTSB Part 830.5 as a serious incident requiring immediate notification to the NTSB, even if it does not result in substantial damage or serious injury?

Accepted Answer

A flight control system malfunction or failure.

Answer

A single tire failure on landing.

Answer

Moderate turbulence causing a temporary altitude deviation.

Answer

A contained engine compressor stall with no subsequent engine damage.