What is the primary objective of an aircraft mishap investigation?

• A. Determine probable cause(s) and contributing factors and issue safety recommendations to prevent recurrence.
• B. Determine fault and assign blame.
• C. Evaluate maintenance costs.
• D. Determine pilot career consequences.

Answer: (A)

The main idea is to find what caused the mishap and what factors contributed to it, then recommend changes that reduce future risk. This focus on root causes and contributing conditions lets investigators address systemic safety improvements—things like design flaws, maintenance practices, procedures, training, or human factors—so similar accidents don’t recur. It’s not about assigning fault or blame, which are handled in separate legal or disciplinary processes, nor is it about costs or the pilot’s career outcomes. By identifying how and why a mishap happened and offering concrete safety recommendations, the investigation aims to make aviation safer for everyone.