ABSTRACT
The USAF conducts two investigations after a major loss of life or materiel. The Safety Investigation Board (SIB) terms catastrophic events "mishaps" and is aimed at identifying causes to help prevent similar events in the future. Another board, often termed the "collateral board" or "accident board," is convened to preserve evidence. The SIB is typically composed of individuals from bases other than that of the mishap crew and convenes at the USAF base closest to the mishap site. They conduct a privileged investigation; they are permitted to grant witnesses confidentiality. Furthermore, testimony is not revealed to the accident board or to anyone outside the safety community (which, under penalty of federal law, can only use information for future mishap prevention). Each board has a flight surgeon as a member who may, in consultation with the Board President (who is a rated colonel or higher), request a human factors expert as a consultant.
