Can anybody here explain me what this "public hearing" means?
Sounds like they are on the "pilot-thing", 4 out of 6 points go to crew/company
Since this is the first major fatal US accident in a couple years, not inappropriate to hold a public hearing. As NPR reported (on a different NTSB decision): "The NTSB holds public hearings for several reasons - to educate the public, make the board's investigation transparent and to gather information from outside experts. The investigative staff recommends whether to hold one and the board votes on their recommendation."
Whether or not they hold the pilots and company responsible, most likely being held due to the seriousness of the accident, and perhaps they want to make some political points about the FAA, icing, what have you....
Or maybe they just want to be transparent and minimize speculation on this forum.
