The stakes are high for the National Transportation Safety Board as they investigate the crash of an Alaska Airlines flight recently. NTSB Chair Robert Sumwalt remarked on the matter recently, noting the need for a thorough analysis of the cause of the incident.
The NTSB is the lead investigative agency for air crash incidents in the United States. Sumwalt and his team are evaluating the data and evidence from the scene, with a detailed report slated for later this year. The report will note the findings of the investigation and the contributing factors involved in the incident.
Sumwalt acknowledged the critical importance of the investigation and the need to make sure that all safety measures were taken to avoid disaster. He also noted the high stakes for passengers, family members, and Alaska Air passengers in the incident. He expressed his sorrow at the tragic events and the hope of preventing similar occurrences in the future.
The NTSB’s investigation process is very methodical and thorough, utilizing sophisticated technology such as reconstruction technologies, radar analysis, and wreckage exams in order to determine the cause of the crash. The analysis must balance the interests of aviation safety and public safety to ensure that an accurate account of the events can be determined.
Sumwalt also pointed out that the Board will look for any information that could identify areas in which policies and regulations could be improved in order to reduce risk in the future. The report is set to be released in the first quarter of 2019, with expectations that the data and results uncovered will provide the necessary guidelines in terms of safety requirements for the aviation industry.
This is a challenging investigation for the NTSB and the stakes are indeed high. Passenger safety and security are paramount in every Alaska Airlines investigation, and Sumwalt and his team will be vigilant in bringing forth groundbreaking findings. The hope is that with their findings, future air travel incidents can be avoided through better safety regulations and procedures.
