accident investigation
Mishap cause analysis
Accident investigation is the systematic process of examining an accident to determine what happened, why it happened, and how to prevent similar incidents.
Investigators gather evidence, interview witnesses, and analyze factors like human error, equipment failure, and environmental conditions.
The term applies across domains—aviation crashes, workplace injuries, vehicle collisions, industrial disasters.
The accident investigation revealed a faulty valve had been ignored for months.
- mechanical failureEquipment stops working properly
- human errorMistakes by people
- pilot errorAircrew-caused accident
- black boxOpaque system or device
- forensic analysisScientific examination for legal proceedings
crash site · safety audits · witness interviews · coroner · foul play · airworthiness · skid marks · tire marks · data logging · chain of events · near miss · design flaws · criminal investigations · environmental conditions · negligence · OSHA regulations · safety board · site inspections
- safetysafety helmet, hazard, airbag, alert, occupational safety
- investigationsaudit, review, probe, inquiry, oversight
- workplace safetyworkplace safety, PPE, safety standards, worker safety, goggles
- marine patrolharbor patrol, river patrol, patrol boat, port security, water rescue
- train accidentstrain accidents, train wrecks, derailments, collisions, crashes
- Aviation Standardsairworthiness, annexes, air traffic control, flight operations, aircraft maintenance
accident investigationcriminal prosecution
Government's legal action against accused
disciplinary proceedings · fault-finding · scapegoating · witch hunt · retribution
accident investigationaccident prevention
Stopping harm before it happens
safety planning · preventive maintenance · risk assessment · risk mitigation · hazard prevention
accident investigationcriminal investigation
Official probe into lawbreaking
homicide investigation · arson investigation · fraud investigation