Failure investigation is a systematic process used to understand the causes and

contributing factors behind a product, system, or process failure. The objective is

to identify root causes to prevent recurrence and improve reliability. This process
starts with the collection of detailed information about the failure, including
examining the failed component, analyzing performance data, and interviewing
relevant personnel.
Key steps in a failure investigation include defining the problem, gathering and
preserving evidence, and conducting a thorough analysis. This often involves
recreating the conditions under which the failure occurred, employing techniques
like root cause analysis or fault tree analysis. Engineers and investigators look for
patterns or anomalies that led to the failure, considering factors such as material
defects, design flaws, operational errors, or external influences.
Once the root causes are identified, the investigation team develops
recommendations to address these issues. This could involve redesigning
components, updating procedures, or enhancing quality control measures.
Effective communication of the findings and implementing corrective actions are
essential to ensure that lessons learned from the investigation contribute to
preventing future failures. By addressing the underlying issues, organizations can
improve safety, reliability, and performance, ultimately safeguarding against
similar problems in the future.