NTSB

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is an independent United States government investigative agency responsible for determining the probable cause of every civil aviation accident in the US. Positioned outside the regulatory oversight of the Federal Aviation Administration, it functions as a forensic and safety-advisory body. Its primary role in the aerospace value chain is the enhancement of global flight safety through the publication of safety recommendations and the maintenance of the national aviation accident database. Working closely with airframe manufacturers, engine OEMs, and international bodies under ICAO Annex 13, the agency leads investigations into major occurrences involving Boeing, Airbus, and General Electric products within its jurisdiction. It frequently provides technical assistance to foreign counterparts, such as the AAIB or BEA, when US-manufactured components are involved in overseas incidents. The agency also investigates accidents involving commercial spaceflight and unmanned aerial systems. Parties engaging with this organisation, particularly during an active investigation, should verify the legal protocols regarding 'Party Status' and the strict controls on the public release of investigative data. It is important to distinguish its safety-improvement mandate from the regulatory enforcement powers held by the FAA. Stakeholders should ensure they understand the non-judicial nature of its findings, which are intended to prevent recurrence rather than assign legal liability or financial damages.