Less than 10 percent of an aircraft accident investigation takes place at the scene. After an initial seven to 20 days on-site, the process moves to file cabinets and back offices; parts, maintenance and service suppliers; and government and industry laboratories. On average, six months of post-accident meetings are coordinated from a local command center; most often the ballroom of the nearest hotel. One investigation lasted four-and-a-half years. If you become a “party” to an investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), you have committed your time for the duration.
The NTSB investigates aviation accidents involving U.S. aircraft other than those operated by the armed forces or intelligence agencies. As an independent federal agency, the NTSB is charged with determining the probable cause(s) of accidents falling within Department of Transportation oversight, which boils down to “barges, buses, planes and pipelines.” The NTSB conducts studies and makes recommendations to help prevent the recurrence of accidents and coordinates resources to assist accident victims and their families.
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