Post-Mortem FAA Investigation: A Comprehensive Guide

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) conducts post-mortem investigations to understand and prevent future incidents. This article provides an in-depth look at what such investigations entail, using the recent incident at Brackett Field, a racetrack in California, as a case study. The Piper PA32, a multi-purpose, high-performance aircraft, was involved in this particular accident.

The Initial Steps: Interview and Documentation

FAA investigations begin with a detailed interview of the pilot. This process is crucial as it provides the most firsthand account of the circumstances leading to the accident. In the case of the Brackett Field incident, the examiner will visit the pilot at their residence to get a complete and detailed account of the flight. Key documents such as the pilot's logbook, airplane maintenance records, and flight planning details will be reviewed. The examiner will also focus on understanding the status of the fuel and the weight distribution of the aircraft, considering there were four people on board and the possibility of near-max gross weight.

Communication and Technical Evaluation

Communication with the control tower is another critical aspect of the investigation. The communications recorded by the control tower will be analyzed for any discrepancies or critical moments leading up to the crash. If necessary, the tower operator will also be interviewed to provide further clarification.

Technical Evaluation of the Aircraft

Upon arrival at the scene, the wreckage will be taken to a hangar where a thorough technical evaluation will be conducted. The examiner will check the engine's fuel status and the condition of the flight controls, including rudders, ailerons, elevators, and trim. This evaluation helps in understanding technical failures if any.

Comprehensive Analysis and Reporting

Once all the information has been gathered, a comprehensive report will be written. This report will summarize the incident, discuss the possible causes, and outline preventive measures that could have been taken. The report is made public for transparency and public safety.

Investigation Premise and Elimination Process

The investigation follows a premise-thesis process of elimination of all possible causes. Each potential cause is meticulously investigated and ruled out until the final conclusion is reached.

Pilot Training History: Review of the pilot's training records and history to ensure they are adequately prepared for high-performance aircraft operations. Pilot Error: Detailed examination of the pilot's actions during the flight, including any procedural or operational errors. Flight Plan: Examination of any existing flight plan for anomalies that might have contributed to the crash. Pilot/Passenger Statements: Gathering input from both the pilot and passengers, if available, for a comprehensive understanding of the events. Witness Statements: Interviewing witnesses to gather additional perspectives on the incident. Air Traffic Control Recordings: Reviewing recordings of air traffic control communications for any critical moments or deviations from standard procedures. Aircraft Mechanical Failure: Examination of maintenance and repair records to identify any potential mechanical issues. Fuel Status: Confirming the fuel levels before and during the flight to rule out fuel starvation or leakage. Weather Conditions: Analysis of weather conditions at the time of the incident to understand their impact, if any.

Conclusion

The FAA's post-mortem investigation process is designed to be thorough and meticulous, ensuring that every detail is considered. For the recent incident at Brackett Field, the Piper PA32's high-performance capabilities and the complexity of the flight make this process even more critical. The findings of such investigations are invaluable in preventing similar incidents in the future, enhancing safety standards, and ensuring public trust.