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Aircraft Aircraft Accident Accident InvestigationInvestigation

The Federal Aviation Administration

Presented By:

Gary D. Romero

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What is an Aircraft Accident?What is an Aircraft Accident?

• An aircraft accident is an occurrence that results in serious personal injury or death, or substantial damage to the aircraft or other property

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The ATS RoleThe ATS Role

• What is the ATS role in aircraft accident investigation?– To investigate air traffic involvement in the accident– To provide support to other organizations

investigating the accident

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The Air Traffic InvestigationThe Air Traffic Investigation

• The Investigator-In-Charge (IIC)• The Collection of Data• Air Traffic Involvement• Support to Other Organizations• Other Elements• The Final Report

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The Investigator-In-Charge (IIC)The Investigator-In-Charge (IIC)

• IIC Responsibilities– Supervise and coordinate the investigation

• Organize data collection• Conduct personnel interviews

– Relieve facility workload• Coordinate with outside entities (NTSB,

media)• Oversee investigation

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IIC (cont.)IIC (cont.)

– Support aircraft investigation• Provide air traffic data• Act as liaison with the air traffic facility

– Assess air traffic involvement• Review events leading to accident• Provide feedback to headquarters/facility• Make recommendations for changes

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Data CollectionData Collection

• Voice recordings

• Transcripts

• Controller statements

• Flight progress strips

• Facility procedures

• Letters of agreement

• Letters to airmen

• Airport/airspace charts

• Facility training

• Position logs

• Equipment

• Recorded radar data

• Weather data

• Air traffic services

• Aircraft procedures (approaches, etc.)

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Air Traffic InvolvementAir Traffic Involvement

• Were facility procedures followed?• Was the aircraft cleared in accordance with

the published flight procedures?• Were weather limitations considered?• Was controller training adequate?• Were appropriate services provided?

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Air Traffic Involvement (cont.)Air Traffic Involvement (cont.)

• It is critical to assess the circumstances surrounding aircraft accidents to determine air traffic involvement.

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Support to Other OrganizationsSupport to Other Organizations

• The IIC acts as a liaison to provide aircraft investigators with air traffic data to support the investigation effort.

• The IIC cooperates with outside organizations.

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Other ElementsOther Elements

• The IIC is cognizant of the emotional impact of the accident on the involved operational personnel– Conducts interviews– May refer involved persons to employee assistance

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The Final ReportThe Final Report

• The findings of the final report are supported by all data collected during the investigation.

• The data is filed with the report and retained in an accident package.

• Usual retention of accident packages is 5 years.

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