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 off-runway excursions without injury or substantial damage to the aircraft or external property are categorized as "incidents" under FAR/AIM Part 830 and typically do not require NTSB notification.
NTSB notification is mandatory for "accidents" defined by fatalities, serious injuries, substantial aircraft damage, or damage to property (not the aircraft) exceeding $25,000.
In cases requiring NTSB notification, wreckage and records must be preserved; while pilots may not directly notify the FAA for minor incidents, towered airports can, potentially leading to an inquiry.

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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.