NTSB Introductionand Overview
David L. MayerJune 13, 2014
Overview
• NTSB overview• Investigative process• Party process• Other collaborative activities• Observations about collaboration
The NTSB
• Established as part of DOT in 1967• Established as independent agency
in 1974• Five modes: Aviation, Rail, Marine,
Highway, Pipeline• Investigate accidents• Make recommendations
Other Functions
• Court of appeal for airmen, mechanics, and mariners
• Special studies of transportation safety
• Assistance to victims and families
NTSB
Independent
• Not a part of any otherfederal entity
• No regulatory role• Priority over other federal
investigations• Political independence
Safety focus
• Primary product: Safety recommendations• Issued to organizations that can implement• Goal: Improve transportation safety
• Prevent accidents• Reduce injury, impact• Improve emergency response
• No requirement to implement recommendations
• Tracking, follow-up, advocacy
NTSB Most Wanted List
• Address Unique Characteristics of Helicopter Operations
• Advance Passenger Vessel Safety
• Eliminate Distraction in Transportation
• Eliminate Substance-Impaired Driving
• Enhance Pipeline Safety
• Improve Fire Safety in Transportation
• General Aviation: Identify and Communicate Hazardous Weather
• Implement Positive Train Control Systems
• Promote Operational Safety in Rail Mass Transit
• Strengthen Occupant Protection in Transportation
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Investigative Process
• Notification and response, transparency• Organize investigation, name parties• Onsite phase, laboratory support• Fact finding• Technical review• Hearing• Report development, analysis• Board meeting, adoption
Parties
• Agencies, companies, and associations whose employees, functions, activities, or products were involved in the accident,
and • Who can provide suitable qualified technical
personnel actively to assist in the investigation.
• Not claimants or insurers. • Not anyone in a legal position.
Parties
• Participate in fact finding• Contribute technical expertise• Share information• Avoid talking to media• Access to all evidence
Aviation Safety:Public / Private Partnerships • NTSB Party Process
• Organized for each investigation• Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS)
• Confidential reporting system• Commercial Aviation Safety Team (CAST)
• Data driven, focused partnership• Aviation Safety Information Analysis &
Sharing (ASIAS)• Big data for aviation safety
Goals
• Cooperative, non-adversarial process• Establish agreed-upon set of facts• Make all facts public• Conduct separate analyses• Fair, balanced, independent report• Explain
• Why the accident happened• How to prevent
