FAA Private Pilot Airplane (PAR)RegulationsHard
A private pilot lands at an airport and observes another aircraft departing from a runway that intersects their landing runway. The departing aircraft appears to have experienced an engine failure and crashed, resulting in significant damage to the aircraft but no apparent injury to the sole occupant. According to NTSB Part 830, when must the pilot report this incident?
- AWithin 10 days to the NTSB.
- BWithin 5 days to the NTSB.
- CNo report is required if there are no serious injuries.
- DImmediately to the NTSB.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Immediately to the NTSB.
An aircraft accident is defined as an occurrence in which any person suffers death or serious injury, or in which the aircraft receives substantial damage. Substantial damage requires immediate notification to the NTSB, regardless of injuries.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 10 days is the timeframe for submitting a written report (NTSB Form 6120.1) if requested, not for immediate notification.
- B. 5 days is not a standard NTSB reporting timeframe for accidents.
- C. Substantial damage to an aircraft requires immediate notification, even if there are no serious injuries.
NTSB Immediate Notification (Accident)
NTSB Part 830 requires immediate notification to the nearest NTSB field office for any aircraft accident, defined as an occurrence with death, serious injury, or substantial damage.
- Substantial damage means damage that affects the structural strength, performance, or flight characteristics of the aircraft and that would normally require major repair or replacement of the affected component.
- Engine failure and subsequent crash with significant damage typically constitutes substantial damage.
- The lack of serious injury does not negate the requirement for immediate notification if substantial damage occurred.
Memory trick: Death, Serious Injury, or Substantial Damage? Call NTSB, don't delay, don't just manage!