Wow, seriously. Considering the fact that Caleb wasn't just a normal kid without high powered parents! I'm disgusted!
This is why I said the investigation needed to be NTSB-level - as in beyond reproach.
I'm putting myself into a self-imposed time out before I say something I regret.
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NTSB has no jurisdiction.
There has been no federal authority over permanent amusement park rides since 1981.
Theoretically, the industry has sufficient safeguards without federal involvement:
Fundamental safety measures have been in place in the industry for decades.
In addition to a thorough set of internal mechanical, electrical, design, and operational safety checks and standards, fixed-site amusement rides are subject to one or more layers of independent examination: state and local government, insurance companies, and private safety firms.
http://www.iaapa.org/safety-and-advocacy/safety/amusement-ride-safety/regulations-standards
In real world practicality, the most thorough investigation into this event is likely to come from lawsuits.
The inevitable plaintiffs interests will be best served by their attorneys vigorously pursuing potential punitive damages.
In order to do so, they will need to establish a level of gross negligence.
Getting there will require extensive discovery, particularly to include punitive damages in Kansas.
It seems possible that a wrongful death or personal injury lawsuits could be filed in the jurisdiction where the park ownership is incorporated.
That could be Texas, but that depends on how the ownership of Schlitterbahn is structured.
IANAL, but I think the civil cases may be jurisdiction shopped if it is possible to file in a state that is less plaintiff unfriendly than Kansas.
We will see where all that goes.
But as for any federal investigation, I wouldn't be holding any breath.
At the most there will be a congressional hearing or two that goes nowhere.
MOO.
