The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is an independent federal agency in the United States. Its main goal is to enhance safety across various transportation modes, including aviation, railroads, highways, marine, pipelines, and hazardous materials. Established in 1967, the NTSB operates under the Independent Safety Board Act of 1974. This act empowers the agency to investigate transportation accidents, identify their causes, and make safety recommendations. The NTSB also examines safety issues and evaluates how effective government agencies are in ensuring transportation safety. Furthermore, it reviews appeals related to airman and seaman certificates from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the U.S. Coast Guard. The NTSB’s findings and decisions are publicly available through accident reports, safety studies, and statistical reviews. According to 49 U.S.C. Section 1154(b), NTSB reports cannot be used as evidence in civil actions for damages related to incidents covered in those reports. To prevent future accidents and reduce injuries, the NTSB develops safety recommendations based on its investigations. These suggestions are sent to federal, state, and local agencies, as well as to industries that can improve transportation safety. Ultimately, these recommendations play a crucial role in the NTSB’s mission to enhance safety within the nation’s transportation system.
