Depending on the aircraft involved and the details of the accident, several different agencies and groups may participate in the investigation that follows an airplane crash or aviation accident. In the United States, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigates and gathers information about any accident involving US aircraft. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is a branch of the US Department of Transportation, and is also typically involved in such situations.
Are other agencies usually involved in an aviation crash investigation in addition to the FAA and NTSB?
In certain cases, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) can participate in the investigation, particularly if there is reason to believe the accident has any relation to issues of public safety. The Department of Justice or the Department of Defense may become involved in these situations as well.
Any number of institutions and agencies can get involved in a crash investigation along with the above, and some agencies may be required because of their special training in certain types of accidents. For example, an accident involving a particular type of aircraft may require the involvement of an agency skilled and trained in the mechanics and performance of those aircraft. Oftentimes these smaller specialty agencies will be hired by the airline itself in an effort to determine the causes of an accident and prevent re-occurrence.
Agencies such as the American Red Cross, Department of Health and Human Services and Federal Emergency Management Agency may also be involved in providing services to victims and their families.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an aviation accident, there are also special rules regarding where and how you may file a lawsuit related to that accident, especially if it took place on an international flight. Lawsuits regarding the accident may usually be filed in a number of different places when you are on an international flight, including the country of the flight’s arrival or departure.
Because aviation accidents and resulting litigation often involve parties from many different states, the proceedings can be complex. It is important to have appropriate legal representation to protect your interests.