How are maintenance records evaluated during an investigation?

• A. They are used to assess overall flight crew performance.
• B. Maintenance records are not reviewed during an investigation.
• C. They are consulted only if a crash is linked to corrosion.
• D. To verify airworthiness, recent repairs, compliance with service bulletins, and any deferred or suppressed maintenance.

Answer: (D)

Maintenance records are reviewed to confirm the aircraft’s airworthiness history and to understand what maintenance actions were actually completed before the event. The most important point is to verify airworthiness status, recent repairs, compliance with service bulletins, and any maintenance that was deferred or suppressed. This helps determine whether maintenance issues could have contributed to the incident and ensures investigators have a complete picture of the aircraft’s maintenance history. Records are not used only to assess crew performance, and they’re typically reviewed in investigations regardless of whether corrosion is involved.