But finding wreckage does not necessarily solve the mystery.
Investigators still need to determine:
Where did the aircraft crash?
Why did it crash?
What happened to the crew?
Why was the aircraft not found earlier?
Was there a mechanical problem?
Was weather involved?
Was human error involved?
Did the aircraft deviate from its planned route?
Was there some other explanation?
A wreckage discovery may answer one question while creating several more.
## The Importance of Identification
Before investigators can declare that a wreckage site belongs to a particular missing aircraft, they need evidence.
One of the strongest forms of evidence is an aircraft identification or serial number.
Every aircraft has identifying information.
Investigators can also examine engine components, manufacturing marks, maintenance records and structural features.
The location can provide additional confirmation.
If the aircraft’s expected route and the discovery site are consistent, confidence increases.
But investigators should still seek multiple independent pieces of evidence.
