The NTSB designated IIC organizes, conducts, controls, and manages the field phase of the investigation. The IIC has the responsibility and authority to supervise and coordinate all resources and activities of all personnel, both Board and non-Board, involved in the on-site investigation. The IIC continues to have considerable organizational and management responsibilities throughout later phases of the investigation, up to and including Board consideration and adoption of a report or brief of probable cause(s).

Damage or failure which adversely affects the structural strength,performance, or flight characteristics of the aircraft, and which would normally require major repair or replacement of the affected component.

The aircraft is “missing” when the fuel duration, as reported on the request for flight following, or as reported on the FAA flight plan, has been exceeded and the aircraft location is unknown. It can also be considered missing when it has been reported to the FAA as being “overdue” and the FAA has completed an administrative search for the aircraft without success.

An aircraft is considered “overdue” when it fails to arrive within 30 minutes past the estimated time of arrival (ETA) and cannot be located.

To transport one or more persons suspended on a fixed line (150’-250’) beneath a helicopter. The intent is to transport persons a short distance (short-haul), normally from a limited or inaccessible location to a safe landing area.

A cable winching device permanently mounted to the helicopter that is capable of lowering/raising persons attached to the cable.

The dead fuel moisture content corresponding to the various timelag fuel classes.

The rise or fall in terrain measured in feet per 100 feet of horizontal distance measurement, expressed as a percentage.

Boles, stems, or limbs of woody material; that portion of the dead wildland fuel which is roughly cylindrical in shape.

Non-decomposed material, living or dead, derived from herbaceous plants.