Is it permissible to move aircraft wreckage before the NTSB takes custody?

The correct response highlights that it is permissible to move aircraft wreckage, but only to protect the wreckage from further damage. This principle is grounded in the need to preserve evidence for investigations, especially in the context of aviation accidents where every piece of wreckage can provide critical insights into the cause of the event.

When wreckage is left unattended in the open after an accident, it can be subjected to environmental factors such as weather or human interference that may compromise its condition and hinder investigation efforts. Therefore, moving the wreckage to a safer location or positioning it in a way that minimizes further degradation is considered acceptable, provided that it does not interfere with the investigatory process.

It is also crucial for those working at the scene to bear in mind that while protections for evidence allow for some movement, it cannot be done whimsically and should adhere to guidelines set by the investigative authority. This ensures that while the intent is to protect and preserve evidence, it must also respect the overall investigation integrity conducted by bodies such as the NTSB.