A Factor is defined as which of the following?

• A. ... any deviation, out-of-the-ordinary or deficient action, or condition discovered in the course of an investigation that contributed to the eventual outcome.
• B. Any observed event that did not affect the outcome
• C. A required procedure
• D. An uncommon weather condition

Answer: (B)

A factor is something that contributed to the outcome of the event. In investigations, it includes deviations, out-of-the-ordinary or deficient actions, or conditions that helped produce the final result. It’s not just any observed event, especially if that event did not influence what happened. So a factor is only counted when it played a role in the outcome, either by directly affecting performance or by creating a circumstance that led to the result. A required procedure isn’t a factor by itself, and a weather condition isn’t a factor unless it actually contributed to the outcome. For example, a pilot’s failure to follow a critical checklist that led to an abnormal and harmful result is a factor; a routine weather event that had no impact on the outcome is not.