NTSB Introductionand Overview

David L. MayerJune 13, 2014

Overview

• NTSB overview• Investigative process• Party process• Other collaborative activities• Observations about collaboration

The NTSB

• Established as part of DOT in 1967• Established as independent agency

in 1974• Five modes: Aviation, Rail, Marine,

Highway, Pipeline• Investigate accidents• Make recommendations

Other Functions

• Court of appeal for airmen, mechanics, and mariners

• Special studies of transportation safety

• Assistance to victims and families

NTSB

Independent

• Not a part of any otherfederal entity

• No regulatory role• Priority over other federal

investigations• Political independence

Safety focus

• Primary product: Safety recommendations• Issued to organizations that can implement• Goal: Improve transportation safety

• Prevent accidents• Reduce injury, impact• Improve emergency response

• No requirement to implement recommendations

• Tracking, follow-up, advocacy

NTSB Most Wanted List

• Address Unique Characteristics of Helicopter Operations

• Advance Passenger Vessel Safety

• Eliminate Distraction in Transportation

• Eliminate Substance-Impaired Driving

• Enhance Pipeline Safety

• Improve Fire Safety in Transportation

• General Aviation: Identify and Communicate Hazardous Weather

• Implement Positive Train Control Systems

• Promote Operational Safety in Rail Mass Transit

• Strengthen Occupant Protection in Transportation

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Investigative Process

• Notification and response, transparency• Organize investigation, name parties• Onsite phase, laboratory support• Fact finding• Technical review• Hearing• Report development, analysis• Board meeting, adoption

Parties

• Agencies, companies, and associations whose employees, functions, activities, or products were involved in the accident,

and • Who can provide suitable qualified technical

personnel actively to assist in the investigation.

• Not claimants or insurers. • Not anyone in a legal position.

Parties

• Participate in fact finding• Contribute technical expertise• Share information• Avoid talking to media• Access to all evidence

Aviation Safety:Public / Private Partnerships • NTSB Party Process

• Organized for each investigation• Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS)

• Confidential reporting system• Commercial Aviation Safety Team (CAST)

• Data driven, focused partnership• Aviation Safety Information Analysis &

Sharing (ASIAS)• Big data for aviation safety

Goals

• Cooperative, non-adversarial process• Establish agreed-upon set of facts• Make all facts public• Conduct separate analyses• Fair, balanced, independent report• Explain

• Why the accident happened• How to prevent

Contact

David L. MayerManaging Director

202-314-6318david.mayer@ntsb.gov