Issues from the NTSB investigation of a 2023 railroad accident are used to discuss the voluntary party system. The system is designed to encourage cooperative efforts in an investigation, which does not always work.

In the party system, an organization or an individual with relevant expertise or information is invited to participate directly in an NTSB investigation. These parties are required to follow basic rules. They are expected to provide the NTSB information or expertise that helps the investigation and limit discussing details with the media and others not involved in the investigation.

In the NTSB investigation of a 2023 rail accident involving a Norfolk Southern train in Ohio, Norfolk Southern was a designated party. Late in the investigation, Norfolk Southern submitted information that the NTSB rejected because of how and when it was submitted. 

Based on statements in the final report and in the public docket, Norfolk Southern did not operate properly as a party to the investigation. They conducted an independent investigation and held information that should have been given to the NTSB.

Should inappropriately late submissions be included in an NTSB investigation? The NTSB did not state if this late submission had critical information. Greg Feith and John Goglia favor analyzing all information to determine whether it helps the investigation.

Related documents are available at the Flight Safety Detectives website.

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