Which office has the responsibility for investigating aviation accidents and incidents, and for probable causes?

• A. Office of Aviation Safety
• B. Office of Public Affairs
• C. Office of Safety Analysis
• D. Office of Inspector General

Answer: (A)

Investigating aviation accidents and incidents and determining probable causes are functions of the Office of Aviation Safety. Its investigators conduct on-scene investigations, collect and examine evidence (wreckage, data from recorders, maintenance records, weather, etc.), interview pilots and witnesses, and analyze contributing factors such as human performance, mechanical issues, and procedures. The goal is to reconstruct the event and identify causal factors so that factual reports and safety recommendations can be issued to prevent recurrence. The other offices serve different roles—Public Affairs handles communications, Safety Analysis focuses on safety data analysis and trends, and the Inspector General oversees audits and investigations into program integrity—so they do not perform the formal aviation accident investigations and determine probable causes.