Legal Definitions - National Transportation Safety Board

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is an independent U.S. government agency responsible for investigating significant accidents across various transportation modes. Established in 1966, its primary mission is to determine the probable cause of these accidents and issue safety recommendations to prevent similar incidents in the future. The NTSB investigates accidents involving aviation, railroads, marine vessels, highways, and pipelines, as well as incidents involving hazardous materials. Its recommendations are directed at government agencies, transportation companies, and other relevant organizations to improve safety practices and regulations.

Here are some examples of situations where the NTSB would apply:

• Imagine a commercial passenger jet experiences a catastrophic engine failure during its ascent from a major airport, forcing an emergency landing that results in several passenger injuries and significant aircraft damage. The NTSB would immediately dispatch a team of investigators to the scene. They would meticulously examine the engine components, analyze the flight data recorder ("black box") and cockpit voice recorder, interview the flight crew and air traffic controllers, and review maintenance records. Their ultimate goal would be to determine the exact cause of the engine failure and issue safety recommendations to the aircraft manufacturer, the airline, or the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to prevent similar incidents in the future, perhaps suggesting design changes or new inspection protocols.

• Consider a freight train carrying highly flammable chemicals that derails in a densely populated suburban area, leading to a large fire, the evacuation of thousands of residents, and environmental contamination. The NTSB would lead the investigation into this complex incident. Their experts would analyze the condition of the tracks, the train's speed, the integrity of the railcars, and the actions of the train crew. They would also assess the emergency response. Based on their findings, the NTSB might recommend new safety standards for railcar design, improved track maintenance schedules, or enhanced training for emergency responders dealing with hazardous material spills, aiming to prevent future derailments and mitigate their impact.

• Suppose a large passenger ferry collides with a smaller recreational boat in a busy shipping channel, resulting in multiple fatalities and serious injuries. The NTSB would launch a marine accident investigation. Their team would gather evidence from both vessels, interview survivors and witnesses, review radar data and vessel traffic control communications, and examine the qualifications and actions of the crew members involved. The NTSB's final report would identify the probable cause of the collision, which could range from human error or equipment malfunction to inadequate navigation rules or poor visibility. They would then issue safety recommendations to the U.S. Coast Guard, ferry operators, or recreational boating organizations to improve waterway safety, perhaps suggesting new navigation aids or stricter licensing requirements.