3 hours ago
The NTSB is investigating the midair collision in Washington, D.C., by analyzing flight history, wreckage, systems, and human performance. The probe may take up to two years, with a preliminary report soon.
Transportation Safety Board chair Jennifer Homendy speaks during a press conference at Ronald Reagan Washington Airport in Arlington.
UPDATED: Jan 31, 2025 19:44 IST
A collision between an American Airlines passenger jet and an Army helicopter near Washington, D.C., has put the Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in the spotlight. The crash, which killed 67 people, is now under federal investigation.
NTSB chairwoman Jennifer Hommendy called the investigation an “all-hands-on-deck event,” ensuring a thorough examination of the incident.
Here’s what to know about the agency and its role in this probe.
What does the NTSB do?
The NTSB is an independent federal agency that investigates civil aviation accidents and other serious transportation incidents in the US. This includes rail disasters, major motor vehicle accidents, marine vessel incidents, pipeline failures, and even commercial space travel events.
The board consists of five members who serve five-year terms, appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate.
How will the investigation work?
The NTSB will establish multiple working groups, each focusing on different aspects of the crash. According to board member Todd Inman, these include:
Operations – Examines flight history and crew responsibilities. Structures – Documents wreckage and the accident scene. Power Plants – Studies aircraft engines and related components. Systems – Analyzes electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems. Air Traffic Control – Reviews flight tracking and pilot-controller communications. Survival Factors – Investigates crew and passenger injuries along with rescue efforts. Helicopter Group – Focuses on the Army aircraft. A human-performance group will also be involved, studying crew performance, fatigue, medications, medical histories, training, and workload.How long will the investigation take?
The NTSB did not specify a timeline. However, the accident investigations typically take between one to two years. A preliminary report of initial findings will be released within a few weeks.
What is the NTSB’s history?
The agency’s origins trace back to 1926, when Congress assigned aircraft accident investigations to the US Department of Commerce. The NTSB was created in 1967 within the Department of Transportation and became a fully independent agency in 1974.
Since 1967, the NTSB has investigated more than 153,000 aviation accidents and incidents, playing a crucial role in improving air safety in the US.
Published By:
indiatodayglobal
Published On:
Jan 31, 2025
