Accident and Incident Investigation Flashcards
7 cards from real ASI practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Accident and Incident Investigation flashcards as text
Which NTSB regulation requires operators to preserve aircraft wreckage, cargo, and records after an accident?
Answer: 49 CFR 830.10
49 CFR 830.10 prohibits disturbing or moving wreckage, mail, cargo, or records after an accident except to remove persons injured or trapped, protect the wreckage from fire, or protect the public from injury.
A Flight Data Recorder (FDR) is recovered from an accident site. Who has primary authority over its readout and analysis?
Answer: The NTSB
The NTSB has primary authority over FDR readout and analysis as part of its accident investigation mandate under 49 U.S.C. Chapter 11.
What is a 'go-team' in the context of NTSB accident investigations?
Answer: A rapid-response NTSB team deployed to major accident sites within hours
The NTSB Go-Team is a rapid-deployment team of investigators and specialists that deploys to the scene of major accidents, typically within hours of notification.
In a fatal Part 121 accident investigation, the ASI is asked to assist the NTSB. In this role, the ASI functions as:
Answer: A party to the investigation under NTSB direction, not an independent FAA investigator
When the NTSB leads an investigation, the FAA participates as a designated party and must coordinate all investigative activities through the NTSB IIC (Investigator-in-Charge).
Which tool does the FAA use to track safety trends identified from accident and incident investigations?
Answer: SPAS (Safety Performance Analysis System)
SPAS aggregates safety data from multiple sources including accident/incident investigations to identify trends and target FAA safety oversight resources.
An aircraft sustains substantial damage during a ground collision with a ground vehicle. Under 49 CFR 830, this event is classified as:
Answer: An accident, since substantial damage occurred during aircraft operation
Under 49 CFR 830.2, an aircraft accident includes events involving an aircraft in operation that result in death, serious injury, or substantial damage — ground collisions during operation qualify.
What is the significance of a 'factual report' in an NTSB investigation, as distinguished from the final accident report?
Answer: The factual report presents objective findings without conclusions; the final report includes probable cause determination
NTSB factual reports document objective findings from the investigation (autopsy results, wreckage documentation, weather data) without drawing conclusions, which are reserved for the final report with probable cause.