Private Pilot Private Exam

Can aircraft wreckage be moved before the NTSB takes custody?

1. Yes, to protect from further damage

2. Yes, under any circumstance

3. No, it must stay in place

4. Only if it's safe

The correct answer is: Yes, to protect from further damage

Moving aircraft wreckage before the NTSB takes custody is permissible specifically when it is necessary to protect the wreckage from further damage. This means that if the wreckage is in a location where it could be subjected to environmental elements or other hazards that might degrade the evidence needed for investigation, then it can be relocated. The principle behind this choice is rooted in the balance between preserving the scene for investigation and ensuring safety. In situations where the wreckage poses a risk to the public or can be further damaged, moving it can be justified. However, this must be carefully handled to ensure that any evidence that may be crucial to understanding the cause of the incident is not lost or compromised in the process. Other options do not consider the necessity to preserve evidence or the primary reason for moving wreckage, which is to protect it, thus reflecting a misunderstanding of the protocols in place concerning NTSB investigations.