Conventions and Examples

On-Scene: You must describe what on-scene procedures and specific techniques were utilized to document, control, contain, and manage the crash site. Again, these are lessons learned from the course material. For instance, do not draw a diagram, but articulate what is the best diagram for the accident scenario based on course readings, etc.

Conventions: When you see words like “it was determined” or other general terms of assumption, then you must include in your report where the NTSB would normally obtain such information. You do not need to find the actual conditions, records, etc. Simply state the source where the information could be found.

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You do not need an aircraft manual or software for complex calculations. You must, however, demonstrate that you, as in accident investigator, know where to find and cite resources applicable to affirming what might be given in the narrative of the scenario.

Use the witness statements to corroborate the scenario where applicable. Also, state what type of interview you used, e.g. one-to one, at the venue, telephonic, etc. The interviewing technique is your option; however, use the best method as indicated in the course.

Examples:

It was determined the weather was cloudy. If the weather conditions were given, then where would the NTSB secure that official and valid information? You may research the types of valid weather sources are available for that information. There are a host of sources. NOAA, FAA Weather Briefing, AWOS, etc. Then simply use that source as your validation. Local TV weather or stating “according to the Weather Channel” is NOT an official weather source.

It was determined the pilot had several flight violations and certificate actions. In your report you would simply identify a valid source where such information was derived from. For instance, you would simply state, “according the FAA pilot records…. “

It was determined the crash site had an area dimension based on a 20-foot by 20-foot perimeter. Note to student: This deduction requires some basic math calculations.

Final Analysis: Corroborate your Final Analysis, Section 1.9, through deduction, reported technical facts, specific witness statements, manuals and other data as long as you qualify your information;

For instance, you might state, “The pilot was wearing a blue cap on the accident flight.” How is this true? Well, in your on-scene section you mentioned locating a blue cap in the cockpit. In your witness interviews and according to Witness X, the ramp agent, the pilot was seen entering the cockpit wearing a blue cap. So, from this you could state, “The pilot was probably wearing a blue cap on the accident flight”.

OK, piece it together in an organized, objective, clean, logical document. Remember, you are being graded on critical thought and effective writing-not just guessing the cause.