“I was very fortunate that I found a career that fit my personality, aviation interests, and drive to make meaningful accomplishments. I have received many notable awards and recognition both domestically and internationally. All of this has been possible because I chose to attend Purdue University. The School of Aeronautics and Astronautics provided me with a strong foundation upon which to build a successful career. Even being considered to be an Outstanding Engineer by the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics is the highlight of my career.”
Employed by the NTSB for over 28 years. Thomas Haueter has worked as an airworthiness investigator, an Investigator-in-Charge (IIC) of domestic aviation accidents and as the U.S. Accredited Representative for foreign aviation accidents.
Previously, Haueter was the Deputy Director and the Chief of the Major Investigations Division. As the Director of the Office of Aviation Safety, he is responsible of the investigation of all domestic aviation accidents and the NTSB support of major foreign aviation accidents. He was the IIC for the investigation of the USAir flight 427 accident, that resulted in the redesign of the rudder system on Boeing 737. He was the U.S. Accredited Representative on the accident involving a COPA Airlines Boeing 737. He was the IIC on the accident involving an Atlantic Southeast Airlines Embraer 120 at Brunswick, Georgia, that claimed the life of Senator John Tower and for the midair collision at Philadelphia that claimed the life of Senator Heinz. He was the lead NTSB investigator assisting the U.S. Air Force in the investigation of the CT-43A that crashed near Dubrovnik, Croatia, killing then Commerce Secretary Ron Brown and 22 others. Additionally, Haueter was an advisor to the space shuttle Columbia accident investigation Board.
Prior to joining the Safety Board, he worked at Tracor Incorporated as a program manager for research and development. He was previously employed by Telcom Incorporated as an engineer in the design and application of composite aircraft structures and assessments of emerging technologies. At Pratt & Whitney Aircraft he was structures engineer in gas turbine engine design.
His educational background includes an MBA in Operations Research and International Business from George Mason University, and a BS Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering from Purdue University. He holds a commercial pilots license with multi-engine and instrument ratings, and regularly flies a 1943 Stearman airplane that he restored.
Mr. Haueter retired from the NTSB in June 2012. He is an independent Aviation Safety and Accident Investigation consultant.