Who determines 'probable cause'?

Who determines 'probable cause'?

• A. The FAA Administrator
• B. The NTSB Board
• C. The State of Occurrence
• D. ICAO

Answer: (B)

In aviation accident investigations, the formal determination of probable cause is made by the NTSB Board. After investigators gather evidence, analyze flight data, wreckage, human factors, weather, and other factors, the Board reviews the findings and issues the final probable-cause determination along with safety recommendations. This makes the NTSB the authoritative body for these conclusions. The FAA Administrator handles safety regulation and enforcement; while important for prevention, the FAA does not issue the final probable-cause finding for accidents. The State of Occurrence may participate in the investigation and provide local information, but it does not determine the probable cause. ICAO sets international standards and facilitates cooperation, but it does not decide the cause of a specific accident.

In aviation accident investigations, the formal determination of probable cause is made by the NTSB Board. After investigators gather evidence, analyze flight data, wreckage, human factors, weather, and other factors, the Board reviews the findings and issues the final probable-cause determination along with safety recommendations. This makes the NTSB the authoritative body for these conclusions.

The FAA Administrator handles safety regulation and enforcement; while important for prevention, the FAA does not issue the final probable-cause finding for accidents. The State of Occurrence may participate in the investigation and provide local information, but it does not determine the probable cause. ICAO sets international standards and facilitates cooperation, but it does not decide the cause of a specific accident.