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

Definitions Accident: 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.

Definitions Incident: 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.

Definitions Aircraft 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.

Authority NTSB 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.

Authority F.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/ B 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!!!!

Notifications FAA - Via FSDO Orlando- (407) Tampa- (813) Ft. Lauderdale- (954) Miami- (305) Southwest Regional Accident Command Post (404)

Notifications NTSB Southwest Regional Field Office (Miami) (305)

Notifications N Number* Location Contact name and number Model, Class, and Type of Aircraft Injuries (number and severity) Fatalities Number on Board

Responses No FAA / No NTSB FAA / No NTSB FAA and NTSB NTSB “Go Team”

Scene Management No 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 Management Scene should contain TWO perimeters!!!! “Working Perimeter” Outer Perimeter media

Scene Documentation Logs Photos Measurements Aircraft Damage Occupants Weather

Scene Documentation Investigative 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 Photos Instrument 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

Measurements Co-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

Measurements Triangulation 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 Wx-brief National 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 Operations Logistics Pre-Accident Planning

QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, CONCERNS