The NTSB investigated the relationship between crew performance and the events in the accident . FAA regulations require a sterile cockpit before takeoff , which means there is to be no conversation unrelated to the aircraft and pending flight . However , the cockpit voice recorder ( CVR ) tapes recorded extensive nonessential conversation , including about the CVR itself , the crash of Continental Airlines Flight 1713 , and the dating habits of the flight attendants . The CVR also showed that prior to takeoff , the flight crew was distracted by chatting with a flight attendant about the upcoming presidential election , drink mixes , and various other topics unrelated to the operation of the aircraft . Of the flight crew , the first officer was most actively engaged in these nonessential conversations , with the captain only occasionally joining in . However , while the captain did not actively participate in these nonrelevant conversations , he also failed to stop the first officer 's repeated interruptions and conversations with the flight attendant . The NTSB determined that , if the captain had taken a more active role in managing the cockpit , the accident might have been prevented
Continental Airlines Flight 1713
Continental Airlines Flight 1713
Delta Air Lines Flight 1141