During an NTSB investigation, which phase follows the field investigation?

During an NTSB investigation, which phase follows the field investigation?

• A. Analysis
• B. Report
• C. Recommendations
• D. Field

Answer: (A)

After collecting facts in the field, investigators enter the analysis phase to evaluate the gathered data, reconstruct the sequence of events, and identify what happened and why, including contributing factors and safety issues. This analysis provides the reasoning and evidence needed to determine probable cause and to inform any safety recommendations. The final report and its recommendations follow once the analysis supports conclusions. The field work is the initial data-gathering step, so it comes before analysis, and the other options (writing the report or issuing recommendations) occur after the analysis phase.

After collecting facts in the field, investigators enter the analysis phase to evaluate the gathered data, reconstruct the sequence of events, and identify what happened and why, including contributing factors and safety issues. This analysis provides the reasoning and evidence needed to determine probable cause and to inform any safety recommendations. The final report and its recommendations follow once the analysis supports conclusions. The field work is the initial data-gathering step, so it comes before analysis, and the other options (writing the report or issuing recommendations) occur after the analysis phase.