Instructor_Key_Midterm_Exam/MID-TERM ESSAY EXAM - INSTRUCTOR KEY POOLS/QUESTION BANK 1

(1.1) Explain the duties and functions of the NTSB, as well as, defining the meaning of the NTSB is an independent agency. The NTSB is congressionally mandated to investigate all rail, marine, highway, pipeline and aviation accidents as spelled out in US Code Title 49, Part 830-835. The Safety Board answers only to Congress and the American people. It is has the objective to determine causation (not blame) and make non-binding recommendations to prevent further accidents. The NTSB is also the nation’s library on safety and accident data. It is “independent” in the sense it is not part of DOT or any other government agency. This allows for a non-bias approach in determining causations absent any bureaucratic influences. (1.2) Justify the NTSB role in accident investigation vs. having the FAA responsible for all aircraft accident investigations. The FAA is mandated to manage, control, regulate, and promulgate all aspects of our national aviation system. Not only does it regulate, it also promotes air commerce. Thus, there could be a conflict of interest should an accident reveal a failure in one of the FAA’s duties. Though the FAA is a Party member to any accident investigation it may also be cited as a factor in an accident. .e.g. ATC issues, standards, rules etc. The NTSB has no such ancillary aviation responsibilities. It is independent with no other duties other than air safety investigations and answers only to Congress and the people. (1.3) Discuss the NTSB Party Process and explain its justification, function and the limits set forth on Party members. The NTSB is a small organization and it would be economically impossible to retain a cadre of experts in all disciplines associated with the complexities of a large aircraft accident investigation. Thus, the NTSB has a designated and structured “ Party System” where technical experts (systems, airframe engine etc.) and certain members of concerned unions ( ALPA, ATC etc.) are allowed to participate in the investigation. No attorneys, family members or media are allowed to the “Party”, as it were. Party members must act only within the scope of their duties as designated by the NTSB and may not opine to public or media in-regards to causes or investigative processes. The NTSB retains full authority over the investigation. This study source was downloaded by from CourseH on :30:44 GMT -05:00 (1.4) An Air Detective Tip alluded to the investigative risk of “hindsight bias”. What does this mean and how could it have an effect on discovery of causations? The term “hind-sight bias” refers to the fact that the investigator already knows the terminal event. Given that awareness, there is a possible tendency to look back at every element or causal factor discovered in the investigation and assume it is key part of the error chain. This can lead to connecting the “wrong dots” and thus drawing the “wrong picture” about the factors that were the leading cause or elements in the accident sequence. POOL/QUESTION BANK 2 (2.1) Describe some of the immediate on-scene procedures that should be conducted at the accident after the victims have been removed and or cared for. This includes a variety of actions, all related to preserving, documenting and collecting evidence associated with the accident. First off might be ensuring all the aircraft is there (TESTED chp 9 text, pg 78). Thence, there would be a need to complete proper diagrams and record all components and parts of the accident site including ground scars, etc. Photographing all aspects of the crash site from all angles would be another important step. Examining the aircraft for survivability factors would be another step. Also, proper recording of locating and extracting any data recorder, as well as, noting crew positions are additional steps. It should be noted that most major accidents are considered a HAZMAT zone due to human remains and toxic fuels etc. that might exist on site. (2.2) Describe the difference between cause and blame and how that difference relates to the dynamics of accident investigation. Air safety investigators look for cause while the legal system assesses blame. Cause is associated with the search for and identifying all elements behind the error. In other words, ‘what was the event matrix behind the mistake? This then, allows for the discovery of issues and factors that once identified may prevent further accidents. Blame is a word that in some sense is a superficial title that just goes to point out who is responsible and who w