Definition: Fault Tree Analysis (FTA)

A logical, structured process that can help identify potential causes of system failures(faults) before the failures occur. A deductive analysis begins with general conclusion then attempts to determine the specific causes of this conclusion. This is often described as a "top down" approach.

Tip excerpted from: The Professional's Guide to Maintenance and Reliability Terminology by Ramesh Gulati, Jerry Kahn and Robert Baldwin