During the investigation of an aircraft accident, who determines if any safety violations have been committed?

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the agency responsible for ensuring the safety of civil aviation in the United States. When an aircraft accident occurs, part of the investigation involves assessing whether any safety regulations or guidelines were violated. The FAA has the regulatory authority to enforce compliance with aviation safety standards and to investigate incidents that may indicate potential violations.

During an investigation, the FAA has the expertise and legal jurisdiction to analyze evidence, examine pilot and maintenance records, and review operational procedures. Based on its findings, the FAA can determine if there were breaches of safety regulations that contributed to the accident. This role is crucial in maintaining aviation safety and implementing corrective measures to prevent future incidents.

While other entities such as the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) conduct thorough investigations and make recommendations, the determination of regulatory violations falls under the FAA's responsibilities, reinforcing its role as the regulatory authority in aviation safety matters.