How long does it take to investigate an incident like the Southwest Airlines flight collision?

Asked on: 7/27/2025

This question has been asked1times.

Investigating a major aviation incident like a flight collision typically takes 12-24 months.

Estimated Duration: 730 days

Aviation incident investigations involve multiple agencies, data analysis (black box, ATC recordings), witness interviews, and safety reviews. The NTSB (or equivalent authority) follows strict protocols to determine root causes, contributing factors, and safety recommendations. Complex cases may take longer due to technical challenges, international coordination, or legal considerations. Preliminary reports are often released within weeks, but final reports require thorough validation.