The future of the Alaska Air Flight Inquiry is clear, and the stakes are high. According to National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Chair Robert Sumwalt, the future of the inquiry into the crash of Alaska Air Flight 261 is uncertain, but the impact could be far reaching in the air transport industry. Sumwalt spoke at a news conference in Anchorage, Alaska, earlier this week. He explained that the NTSB, working in cooperation with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), has yet to determine the cause of the crash. However, he pointed out several potential factors that the investigation would explore. The most significant factor, according to Sumwalt, is the possible failure of the plane’s components – specifically, the McDonnell Douglas MD-83’s slat actuator – that contributed to the crash. While an investigation into this component will likely be the priority, he pointed out that other areas such as the safety record of the airline, the maintenance policies, and the flight crew’s judgment and response to the situation all have potential to figure into the final determination. Sumwalt stressed that the NTSB will not speculate as to the cause, but rather will investigate fully and seek to answer any valuable questions. He added that if the investigation discovers any systemic problem or if the final determination indicates any need for action, it must be taken very seriously. Though the investigation is still in the early stages, Sumwalt mentioned the fact that the implications of the inquiry could be broad. Any findings or conclusions the board reaches could very well have an impact on the air transportation industry as a whole. As such, the suspense is thick and the stakes are high in the Alaska Air Flight Inquiry, with the anticipation of what may come to pass growing by the day.