FAA Flight Instructor Airplane (FIA)Regulations (14 CFR 61/91)Hard
During a hard landing, an airplane's wing spar is bent, requiring major structural repair before the aircraft can fly again. No one aboard is injured. According to NTSB Part 830, what is the operator's responsibility regarding this event?
- AImmediately and by the most expeditious means notify the nearest NTSB field office because this meets the definition of substantial damage in an accident
- BNotify only the FAA Flight Standards District Office; NTSB involvement is not required
- CFile NTSB Form 6120.1 within 10 days, with no requirement for immediate notification
- DNo notification is required because there were no injuries to any occupant
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Immediately and by the most expeditious means notify the nearest NTSB field office because this meets the definition of substantial damage in an accident
NTSB Part 830 defines an accident as an occurrence resulting in substantial damage to the aircraft or serious injury. A bent wing spar requiring major structural repair meets the definition of substantial damage. Immediate notification to the nearest NTSB field office is required, regardless of whether anyone was injured.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. NTSB, not just the FAA FSDO, must be notified for an accident.
- C. The 6120.1 report is filed after notification, but immediate notification is still required first.
- D. Injuries are not the only trigger; substantial damage alone qualifies as an accident.
NTSB Immediate Notification (Part 830)
Operators must immediately notify the nearest NTSB field office following an accident, defined as an occurrence involving substantial damage to the aircraft or serious/fatal injury.
- Substantial damage includes structural repairs like a bent spar
- Excludes minor items like landing gear, prop ground-strike damage, or small dents
- Follow-up report NTSB Form 6120.1 filed within 10 days
Memory trick: Bend the spar, ring the NTSB — fast.