NASA Procedures and Guidelines
This Document is Obsolete and Is No Longer Used. Check the NODIS Library to access the current version: http://nodis3.gsfc.nasa.gov

NPR 8621.1B
Effective Date: May 23, 2006
Cancellation Date: June 21, 2019
Responsible Office: GA

Table Of Contents

Change History

Preface

P.1 Purpose
P.2 Applicability
P.3 Authority
P.4 References
P.5 Measurement/Verification
P.5 Cancellation

Chapter 1. General Information

1.1 Objectives of NASA Mishap and Close Call Investigations
1.2 Description of NASA Mishaps and Close Calls
1.3 Determining the Classification Level and Type of Investigation to be Conducted
1.4 Roles and Responsibilities
1.5 Notification and Reporting Requirements
1.6 Additional Notification and Reporting Requirements for Aircraft Investigations
1.7 Investigation Product for each Classification Level/Type of Investigation
1.8 Recording Requirements
1.9 Collateral Investigations
1.10 Investigations by Outside Authorities

Chapter 2. Readiness to Conduct Investigations

2.1 Headquarters Operations and Center Mishap Preparedness and Contingency Plan
2.2 Program and Project Mishap Preparedness and Contingency Plans
2.3 Mishap Preparedness and Contingency Plan Practice
2.4 Contingency Plan Web Site
2.5 Contract Clauses
2.6 Training
2.7 Tools

Chapter 3. Initial Response to a Mishap or Close Call

3.1 Safe the Mishap Site and Initiate Mishap Preparedness and Contingency Plan(s)
3.2 Notify Headquarters Office of Safety and Mission Assurance within 1 Hour of Type A Mishap, Type B Mishap, High-Visibility Mishap, or High-Visibility Close Call
3.3 Deploy IRT
3.4 Notify Personnel and the Public of Potential Hazards
3.5 Secure the Site and Preserve Evidence
3.6 Impound Data
3.7 Initiate Drug Testing
3.8 Collect Witness Statements
3.9 Coordinate Release of Information
3.10 Notify OSHA
3.11 Record the Mishap

Chapter 4. Select the Investigating Authority and Support

4.1 Determine the Appointing Official for Mishap and Close Call Investigation
4.2 Select the Members of the Investigating Authority (MIB, MIT, or MI)
4.3 Select the Ex Officio
4.4 Select Investigating Authority's Advisors
4.5 Select Investigating Authority's Consultants
4.6 Provide Support to Investigating Authority
4.7 Contents of the Appointment Letter or Appointment Orders

Chapter 5. Mishap Investigation Process

5.1 Overview of the Mishap Investigation Process
5.2 Prepare for the Investigation
5.3 Verify that the Site is Safe and Secured and Ensure Evidence is Preserved/Impounded
5.4 Gather Physical Evidence and Facts
5.5 Interview Witnesses
5.6 Review and Analyze Data
5.7 Draw Conclusions and Document Findings
5.8 Generate Recommendations
5.9 When and How to Turn Over for Criminal Investigation
5.10 Release the Mishap Site and Restore Site Operations

Chapter 6. Mishap Report

6.1 Develop the Mishap Report
6.2 Release Investigating Authority
6.3 Review, Endorse, and Approve Mishap Report
6.4 Authorize Mishap Report for Public Release
6.5 Distribute Mishap Report

Chapter 7. Post-Investigation Activities

7.1 Develop CAP
7.2 CAP Contents
7.3 Review and Approve CAP
7.4 Implement CAP
7.5 Monitor and Closeout CAP
7.6 Develop, Disposition, Submit, and Approve Lessons Learned
7.7 Conclude Mishap Activities
7.8 Record and Retain Evidence

Appendices

Appendix A. Terms and Definitions
Appendix B. Acronyms
Appendix C. Mishap Investigation Notional Time Line

List of Figures

Figure 1. Mishap Classification Levels and Type of Investigation to be Conducted
Figure 2. Mishap Organizational Responsibilities Matrix
Figure 3. NTSB Reportable Events (Per 49 CFR Part 830)
Figure 4. Information Required for All Agency Aircraft Mishaps and Close Calls
Figure 5. Classification Level/Investigation Type with Corresponding Appointing Official, Endorsing Officials, and Required Products in the Mishap Report
Figure 6. Statement that Shall Be Read to Witness at the Start of His/Her Formal Interview
Figure 7. Typical Steps in the Mishap Investigation

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