What is the role of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)?

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) plays a critical role in enhancing transportation safety by investigating aviation accidents and incidents. When an aviation mishap occurs, the NTSB examines the circumstances surrounding the event to determine the probable cause. This involves collecting and analyzing evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing relevant data.

Once the investigation is complete, the NTSB publishes reports that not only detail their findings but also recommend safety improvements and regulatory changes to prevent similar accidents in the future. These recommendations can extend across multiple sectors of aviation, including changes in operational procedures, pilot training requirements, or even technical modifications to aircraft design. By focusing on thorough investigations and evidence-based recommendations, the NTSB significantly contributes to the overall safety of the aviation industry and aims to reduce the recurrence of accidents.

Regulating air traffic, providing pilot training programs, and managing airport operations are responsibilities that fall under other organizations, such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or various airport authorities, which are distinct from the NTSB's primary mission of investigation and safety enhancement.