The NTSB and FAA often conduct investigations following an aviation incident. The NTSB’s primary focus is trying to identify the cause behind any one incident. The FAA also serves this function but will also intercede when criminal activity is involved. These agencies independent investigations can sometimes establish a case for negligence, however, they can also make a case more difficult if they find there was no error on the part of the pilot or company and the incident was unavoidable.