When an aviation accident occurs, one of the most critical sources of information for investigators—and for attorneys handling legal claims—is the flight data recorded during the incident. Whether the crash involves a commercial jet or a private aircraft, the recovery and analysis of this information can be key to understanding exactly what went wrong.
Flight data not only plays a vital role in helping agencies like the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) determine probable cause—it can also serve as powerful evidence in wrongful death and negligence lawsuits.
Here’s what families should know about how flight data is used in aviation investigations and how it may affect the outcome of a legal claim.
What Is Flight Data?
Flight data refers to the digital information collected during a flight that records key aircraft performance and system parameters. In commercial aircraft, this data is typically captured by two primary devices:
- Flight Data Recorder (FDR) – Also known as the “black box,” this device records hundreds of variables such as altitude, speed, heading, pitch, engine performance, flight control inputs, and system alerts.
- Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) – Captures the audio environment in the cockpit, including pilot conversations, alarms, radio transmissions, and other background noises.
In smaller private planes, like those involved in many general aviation accidents, formal black box devices may not be required. However, many aircraft still carry:
- ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast) Transmitters
- Garmin, Dynon, or Avidyne avionics systems that log internal data
- Tablets or flight apps used by pilots that record navigation and flight performance
What Does Flight Data Reveal?
Flight data provides an objective, second-by-second timeline of how an aircraft was operating before and during the crash. Investigators and attorneys can use this data to:
- Identify mechanical or system failures
- Determine whether the aircraft was flying within safe parameters
- Detect pilot inputs, such as abrupt control movements or throttle changes
- Assess altitude, climb/descent rates, and speed before impact
- Verify or challenge witness statements and radar information
- Correlate alarm activations with pilot response times
For example, data showing a rapid descent of thousands of feet per minute in the final seconds may indicate a loss of control, aerodynamic stall, or structural failure—key elements in identifying liability.
How Investigators Use Flight Data
The NTSB works with specialized laboratories to retrieve and decode flight data. This process involves:
- Recovering the recorder or digital device (sometimes from wreckage)
- Downloading and processing the data
- Comparing data to maintenance records and weather reports
- Reconstructing the flight path in 2D and 3D simulations
- Cross-referencing pilot behavior with aircraft alerts or warnings
This detailed analysis often forms the foundation of the Factual Report and later the Probable Cause Report.
How Flight Data Supports Legal Claims
While the NTSB does not assign blame or civil liability, its flight data analysis is often used by aviation attorneys to support:
- Negligence claims against pilots or owners
- Product liability suits against aircraft or component manufacturers
- Claims involving maintenance errors or inspection failures
- Lawsuits against air traffic controllers or airport authorities
Aviation accident attorneys may also obtain and review the data independently, hiring expert analysts to compare findings or challenge assumptions. When a crash leads to a wrongful death claim, clear evidence from flight data can strengthen the case, especially if eyewitness testimony is unavailable or conflicting.
What If Flight Data Isn’t Available?
Not all aircraft carry flight recorders, especially smaller general aviation planes. In those cases, attorneys can still build a case using:
- Radar and ADS-B tracking data
- Maintenance logs and pre-flight inspection records
- Eyewitness accounts or video footage
- Weather data and airport reports
- Wreckage analysis and physical damage patterns
An experienced aviation accident attorney knows how to pursue all possible sources of flight information—even when no black box is present.
Speak With an Aviation Accident Attorney About Flight Data
At Spagnoletti Law Firm, we work with aviation engineers, former pilots, and data analysts to understand exactly what the flight records reveal. Whether your case involves a commercial airline crash, private aircraft incident, or helicopter failure, our team is prepared to evaluate all available flight data and determine whether negligence or mechanical failure played a role.
If you’ve lost a loved one in a plane crash or been injured in an aviation incident, let us help you uncover the truth and pursue accountability.
Call 713-804-9306 today for a free and confidential consultation with a qualified aviation accident attorney.