Knowing When to Call the NTSB

When things go wrong, it may seem like high drama, but there are rules for notification of aircraft incidents and accidents.

Meg Godlewski

Tuesday, May 07, 2024 at 10:53 AM ET

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The Federal Aviation Regulations Aeronautical Information Manual outlines rules for notification of aircraft incidents and accidents. [Credit: Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

Most minor off-runway excursions without injury or substantial damage are considered "incidents" and do not require NTSB or FAA notification.
NTSB notification is legally required only for "accidents" involving fatalities, serious injuries, substantial aircraft damage, or non-aircraft property damage exceeding $25,000, as defined in FAR/AIM Part 830.
If an event requires NTSB notification, the operator is responsible for preserving wreckage and documenting the scene to the extent possible.
Even for minor incidents not requiring formal notification, interactions with air traffic control can sometimes lead to unofficial FAA or local authority inquiries.

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The private pilot candidate landed long. The airplane rolled to a stop off the end of the pavement, about 10 feet into the grass.

There was no damage or injuries, except for frayed nerves, but as a precaution the school’s chief mechanic took a look at the Cessna 150. Mostly it was done to show the learner that part of being a pilot was being responsible. If you have an unintentional off-runway experience, you have a mechanic inspect the airplane as a precaution. The CFI didn’t think there was any damage as there hadn’t been a prop strike. The chief mechanic confirmed this.