During an NTSB accident investigation, what risk does a flight crewmember face by making a statement in front of FAA personnel?

In the context of National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) accident investigations, flight crew members must approach the process with caution regarding their statements in the presence of FAA personnel. When a flight crew member makes a statement that could be recorded or documented during such an investigation, there is a significant risk that this information could later be used in an enforcement action against them.

The NTSB has procedures in place to promote full and frank discussions during investigations by assuring individuals that their statements will not be used against them in the event of an enforcement action. However, if these statements are made in front of FAA personnel, they may lose the protections intended by the NTSB for candid communication. Consequently, statements made under these circumstances can be taken into account for enforcement purposes, such as certificate actions or other disciplinary measures.

Understanding this context is crucial for flight crew members, as it highlights the importance of carefully considering their discussions with regulatory personnel during investigations. While there may be protections for statements made directly to the NTSB, those do not extend to interactions with the FAA. This distinction is vital for ensuring that flight crew members are not inadvertently jeopardizing their standing or certificates by providing potentially incriminating information.