What should an engineer do upon discovering a flaw that could increase fatalities but is deemed too expensive to recall?

The appropriate action for an engineer upon discovering a flaw that could potentially increase fatalities is to notify the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). This choice recognizes the critical responsibility engineers have regarding public safety and ethical accountability.

When a flaw could lead to severe consequences such as fatalities, it is imperative to take proactive steps to address the situation. The NTSB is a federal agency responsible for investigating transportation-related accidents and can take the necessary actions to prevent further risks to public safety. Involving the NTSB ensures that the issue is thoroughly investigated, and appropriate measures can be taken to mitigate the risk, even if a recall is considered too costly by the company.

This choice reflects the ethical obligation of engineers to prioritize human life and safety over financial considerations. Engineers are expected to act as stewards of public welfare, and notifying the appropriate agency aligns with those ethical responsibilities, ensuring that the matter is dealt with at a level that can enact significant change or remedy.

In contrast, ignoring the issue or merely notifying company management would risk maintaining the status quo and not adequately addressing the potential harm posed by the flaw. Revising a design immediately, while proactive, may not be feasible without a complete understanding of the implications, and notifying the NTSB provides a more