✈️ In an aircraft accident investigation, certain tasks are time-critical due to the risk of losing perishable evidence, environmental degradation, or unauthorized tampering. Acting quickly helps preserve vital data and supports an accurate analysis of the causes. ✅ Time-Critical Tasks & What Must Be Recorded Quickly: 1️⃣. Site Security & Evidence Preservation ▪️Secure the accident site immediately to prevent disturbance or contamination. ▪️Set up perimeter control to restrict access to authorized personnel only. ▪️Photograph and document the initial condition of the wreckage and surroundings before moving anything. 2️⃣. Wreckage Documentation ▪️Record the exact location and distribution of aircraft debris (impact marks, wreckage spread, fire damage). ▪️Use photos, videos, GPS coordinates, and sketches. ⚠️Pay special attention to: ▪️Flight control surfaces ▪️Engine positions ▪️Landing gear status ▪️Instrument readings (frozen gauges) 3️⃣. Flight Recorders Retrieval ▪️Locate and recover: ▪️Flight Data Recorder (FDR) ▪️Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) ▪️Secure and send them to a specialized lab for prompt data extraction. 4️⃣. Witness Statements Collect statements from: ▪️Survivors ▪️Eyewitnesses ▪️First responders ▪️ATC personnel ▪️Do this as soon as possible, while memories are still fresh. 5️⃣. Perishable Data Collection ▪️Radar data, ATC recordings, weather data, and surveillance videos must be secured quickly before automatic overwriting. ▪️Collect aircraft maintenance records, crew duty logs, and air traffic clearance tapes. 6️⃣. Environmental Evidence ▪️Record weather conditions, light levels, and visibility at the time of the accident. ▪️Take air and soil samples if fire, fuel leaks, or hazardous cargo is involved. 7️⃣. Biological and Forensic Evidence ▪️Time-sensitive for: ▪️Toxicology tests on crew members ▪️Survivability analysis ▪️Injury pattern mapping