Welcome to Accident Investigation 108

“The First Hour, Before the Feds”

Covered Topics•Authority

•Scene Safety

•Notifications

•Scene Management

•Scene Documentation

•Removal

•Continued Security and Coordination w/ FAA and NTSB

DefinitionsAccident: An occurrence associated with the operation of an aircraft which takes place between the time any person boards the aircraft w/ the intention of flight and all such person have disembarked, and which any person suffers death or serious injury, or in which the aircraft receives substantial damage.

Definitions

Substantial Damage: Damage or failure which adversely affects the structural strength, performance, or flight characteristics of the aircraft, and which would normally require major replacement or repair of the affected component.

DefinitionsIncident: An occurrence other than an accident, associated with the operation of any aircraft, which affects or could affect the safety of operation.

FSDO: Flight Standards District Office

Definitions

Parties to Investigation: Parties shall be limited to those persons, government agencies,

companies, and associations whose employees, functions, activities, or products were involved in

the accident or incident and who can provide suitable qualified technical personnel actively to assist in the investigation. Other than the FAA in

aviation cases, no other entity is afforded the right to participate in Board investigations.

DefinitionsAircraft Class: Airplane

Single Engine

Aircraft Model: Cessna

Aircraft Type: 172

Ultralight: An aeronautical vehicle operated for sport or recreational purposes which does not require FAA registration, an airworthiness certificate, nor pilot certification.

AuthorityNTSB 49 C.F.R. 830,831,835

•NTSB is the only authority which can determine the probable cause of an aircraft accident.

•NTSB Investigators notes, etc. are not subpeonable.

•Do not rely on their opinions or information for potential criminal cases.

AuthorityF.S.S. 406 (Medical Examiner)

•States that Medical Examiners must conduct an autopsy in the case of an accidental death.

•The NTSB also requires autopsy’s in most cases.

•Empowers local Law Enforcement to investigate all deaths that are results of accidents.

Getting the Call

POLICE LINE DO NOT CROSS POLICE LINE

Scene Safety

FAA Advisory Circular 150/5200-12B

Fire Department Responsibility in protecting evidence at the scene of an aircraft accident.

…allows for the removal of aircraft components, mail, cargo, and records, allows for the removal of aircraft components, mail and cargo aboard the aircraft to the extent necessary to:

1- Remove persons injured or trapped

2- Protect the aircraft from further damage; and

3- Protect the public from injury.

Scene Safety

Hazards: Crushing, Lacerations, Fire, Explosion, Asphyxiation, Breathing difficulties due to Composite Materials, Chemicals, Cables, Flares, Tires/Rims, Accumulators, Propellers, Batteries, Oxygen Bottles, Fire Extinguishers, Flammable Liquids, Ammunitions, Bio Hazards, Composites, Ballistic Recovery Systems.

Scene Safety

Let those that are properly equipped do their jobs!

Remember, the Accident has already happened!!!!

NotificationsFAA

- Via FSDO

Orlando- (407) 812-7700

Tampa- (813) 287-4900

Ft. Lauderdale- (954)356-7520

Miami- (305) 716-3400

Southwest Regional Accident Command Post

(404) 305-5180

Notifications

NTSB

Southwest Regional Field Office

(Miami)

(305) 597-4610

Notifications

• N Number*

• Location

• Contact name and number

• Model, Class, and Type of Aircraft

• Injuries (number and severity)

• Fatalities

• Number on Board

ResponsesNo FAA / No NTSB

FAA / No NTSB

FAA and NTSB

NTSB “Go Team”

Scene ManagementNo two ever the same

Scene Management

“Specialists”

Your response should include the following:

Investigator

•Scene security

•Crime Scene Investigators

•Public Information Officers

•Homicide Detective

Scene ManagementScene should contain TWO perimeters!!!!

“Working Perimeter”

Outer Perimeter

media

Scene Documentation•Logs

•Photos

•Measurements

•Aircraft Damage

•Occupants

• Weather

Scene DocumentationInvestigative Logs

•Personal: Times, Interviews, Field Notes,

Phone Calls•Scene:

Personnel comings and goings, Equipment, etc.

Scene Documentation

Photos•Before and After Movement, Document Damage from rescue attempt.

Photos

All corners, all directions

Direction

of

flight

Photos

Close-Up of all Damage

Cockpit PhotosInstrument Panels

Close-up of Instrument Panels

Cockpit Switches

Fuel Selectors and Throttles

Gear and Flap Selectors

Tach and Hobbs

Photos•Victims

-Locations

-Injuries

•Documents

- Logs, I.D.’s, Licenses

- Airworthiness Certificates

- Engine Logs,etc.

Measurements•Fiberglass Tapes/ Measuring Wheels (good)

•Laser (better)

•Mapping Equipment (best)

Measurements

•Need Reference Point

- Poles

- Signs

- GPS Coordinates

MeasurementsCo-ordinate Method:

Set baseline from reference point, then measure away from baseline.

Measurements would be recorded :

…ft S and …ft E of R.P. N

MeasurementsTriangulation Method: Measurements are made from two points to the location of the evidence.

Would be recorded as:

…ft SE of RP1 and

…ft SW of RP2

N

Weather

•Local ASOS/ AWOS/ ATIS

- Most have local phone numbers

1-800-Wx-briefNational

Weather

Service

Wreckage Removal•Does the NTSB/ FAA want the wreckage removed?

•What Equipment is needed to move the wreckage?

-Wreckers

-Boats/ Helicopters

-Dollies

-Forklift

May have to secure professionals

Wreckage Removal

What Equipment are you going to need to Investigate?

- Engine Jacks - Gas -100LL and JetA

- Buckets - Lights- Tools - Water- Gloves - Locks- Kitty Litter - Evidence Bags

Wreckage Removal

Where are you going to put it?

- Hanger

- Secure Impound Lot

- Garage

- Leave it (for now)

On-Going security?

Wreckage Removal

Who is going to pay?

- If Insured, the Insurer usually pays recovery and storage costs.

- If a criminal case, the agency may have to provide payment, until a settlement is provided by the estate, or owner/ operator of the aircraft.

Continuing Liaisons• Medical Examiner

• Photos/ Video copying

• Next-of-Kin notifications

• Property Release

• Logistic needs

Information Release•DO NOT RELEASE N- Numbers

•Can Release Class, Model, Type

•Can release time of crash, agencies involved, etc.

•Number on Board

•Do not speculate as to what may have occurred.

Information Release

“We are maintaining scene security and waiting for the arrival of the FAA

and NTSB, who will be conducting the investigation. We will leave any

further information release to them.”

Pre-Planning

• Checklists

- FAA

- NTSB

- Army

- Self Made

Pre-Planning• Equipment

•Personal Protective Equipment

•Equipment suitable for location

•Investigative Equipment

•Removal Equipment

Incident Commander

A.M.I.T.

Admin/ Finance

OperationsLogistics

Pre-Accident Planning

QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, CONCERNS