Who is responsible for investigating aircraft accidents?

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is the agency responsible for investigating aircraft accidents. This agency has the authority and expertise to conduct thorough investigations into the causes of accidents, analyze data, and compile reports to enhance aviation safety. The NTSB’s investigations play a crucial role in understanding what went wrong in an incident, allowing for the implementation of recommendations aimed at preventing similar occurrences in the future.

While other entities such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have regulatory oversight and can be involved in aspects of aviation safety, the NTSB is specifically designated to investigate accidents. Local police departments may be involved in accidents for law enforcement purposes, particularly if there are injuries to individuals or damage beyond the aircraft, but they do not conduct the technical investigations into the accident itself. Airport authorities facilitate airport operations but do not have the mandate to investigate accidents. This delineation of responsibilities highlights why the NTSB is recognized as the definitive agency for this critical function.