NTSB Issues Recommendation A-16-042 to FAA Regarding Cockpit Voice Recorder Data Quality

The National Transportation Safety Board has issued Recommendation A-16-042, identified by NTSB number CEN16MA036, directed to the Federal Aviation Administration. This recommendation addresses problems with the quality of cockpit voice recorder data associated with a specific accident. The NTSB requests that the FAA determine why these issues were not detected and corrected prior to the incident, despite existing requirements in Federal Aviation Administration Order 8900.1 and guidance provided in Safety Alert for Operators 06019. Furthermore, the Board asks the FAA to evaluate whether the procedures outlined in Advisory Circular 20-186 would have ensured that such cockpit voice recorder problems were identified and corrected. If these existing procedures are found insufficient, the NTSB directs the FAA to revise Advisory Circular 20-186 to ensure that similar issues are properly addressed in the future.