federal government disaster investigation d. lee roberts, jr
TRANSCRIPT
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FEDERALGOVERNMENTDISASTER INVESTIGATION
D. Lee Roberts, Jr.
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About NTSBAbout NTSB
• NTSB investigates:– Every civil aviation accident in the U.S. – Significant accidents in other modes:
• Railroad• Highway• Marine• Oil/gas pipeline
– Internationally• Accidents involving U.S. citizens or corporations• Assists on other large foreign investigations
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About NTSBAbout NTSB
• The National Transportation Safety Board is an independent federal agency.
• Duties:– Accident investigation
• Determine probable cause• Make recommendations to prevent similar
accidents
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Emergency ResponseEmergency Response
• NTSB must be notified of an accident by ‘most expeditious means possible.’
• Operator of vehicle is responsible for preserving wreckage as much as possible.
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On-site InvestigationOn-site Investigation
• In all accidents in which criminal activity is not suspected, NTSB will conduct on-site investigation.
• Usually one to two week long
• Interviews with witnesses
• Site testing
• All information collected by NTSB will be used in ensuing investigation.
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Party Participant SystemParty Participant System
• Parties include agencies/companies who were involved in the accident and can assist in the investigation.
• Can include vehicle/engine manufacturer, operator, employees union (e.g. ALPA), federal agency (FAA, FRA and others).
• Participation as a party is a privilege – not a right– Status can be removed for rules violation.
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Party Participation System (cont’d)Party Participation System (cont’d)
• Parties may not be “a person who has interests” beyond safety in investigation.
• No persons in legal positions (even in-house General Counsels).
• Strict confidentiality enforced between party participants.
• Third-party discussions with media can result in revocation of party status.
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Factual ReportsFactual Reports
• Each party and NTSB’s technical team puts together a factual report.
• Factual reports detail accident and highlight issues each party finds pertinent.
• Purpose is to foster a 360 degree look at the accident, not to establish liability.
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Public HearingPublic Hearing
• Factual portion of investigation launched with public hearing, chaired by a Board Member.
• Conducted in accordance with 49 CFR Part 845
• Parties participate in public hearing.
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Final ReportFinal Report
• Board’s technical team receives all party submissions and creates a draft final report.
• Public Board meeting held for Board to vote on:– Findings– Probable Cause– Recommendations
• Final report issued to public usually one hour after meeting adjourned.
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Use of Final Report in CourtUse of Final Report in Court
• NTSB’s findings of probable cause and contributing factors not admissible.
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Use of Final Report in CourtUse of Final Report in Court
. . . no part of any report of the NTSB, relating to an accident or the investigation thereof, may be admitted as evidence or used in any civil action for damages resulting from a matter mentioned in the report. 49 U.S.C.A. § 1154(b).
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Use of Final Report in CourtUse of Final Report in Court
• Factual findings may be allowed into evidence by the court.– Factual group reports– Factual findings in final report– Deposition of investigator
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What Can You Do When What Can You Do When Disaster StrikesDisaster Strikes
• Prepare in Advance.
• Get Help Early.
• Cooperate.
• Proactively Seek Party Status.
• Participate Actively In Technical Groups.
• Prepare for Hearing.
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ReconsiderationReconsideration
• Although Final Report is end of the investigative process, investigations never formally close.
• At any time, participants may petition NTSB to reconsider findings and probable cause if:– The party shows NTSB’s findings are erroneous and
a mistake was made in original assessment of probable cause;
OR– The party discovers new evidence that would require
modification of the original findings and probable cause.
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