FAA Private Pilot Airplane (PAR)RegulationsMedium
An accident involving a private aircraft resulted in serious injury to a passenger, defined as hospitalization for more than 48 hours, commencing within 7 days from the date of the injury. When must the operator of the aircraft notify the NTSB?
- AWithin 24 hours after the accident.
- BImmediately after the accident.
- CWithin 10 days after the accident.
- DOnly if the aircraft is substantially damaged.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Immediately after the accident.
Any aircraft accident, or any incident involving serious injury, substantial damage, or certain other specified events, requires immediate notification to the NTSB. A serious injury, as described, qualifies as an accident, requiring immediate notification.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This timeframe is incorrect for an accident or serious incident; immediate notification is required.
- C. This timeframe is for filing a written report, not for initial notification.
- D. Substantial damage is one criterion, but serious injury is another separate criterion that also requires immediate notification; it's not 'only if'.
NTSB Immediate Notification
The NTSB must be immediately notified of any aircraft accident (which includes serious injury or substantial damage to the aircraft) or certain specified incidents.
- Requirement: Immediate notification.
- Triggering Events: Any aircraft accident (fatal injury, serious injury, substantial damage).
- Other Incidents: Flight control system malfunction, in-flight fire, aircraft collision in flight, turbine engine failure, etc.
- Purpose: To allow NTSB to investigate promptly.
Memory trick: NTSB: Accident? Incident? Notify IMMEDIATELY!