How soon must an accident be reported to the NTSB?

The requirement to report an accident to the NTSB is specifically set to ensure that relevant details surrounding serious aviation incidents are documented and investigated in a timely manner. According to NTSB regulations, an accident must be reported within 10 days if it involves certain conditions, such as a flight crew member being seriously injured, or if any of the aircraft's crew, passengers, or bystanders suffer a fatality.

This timeline allows for sufficient gathering of facts from various sources, including witness statements and initial assessments of the event, while still preserving the integrity of the investigation. Reporting within this timeframe helps the NTSB to initiate their investigations promptly, ensuring safety improvements can be identified and implemented as necessary.

While immediate reporting may be relevant in some contexts, the official requirement is anchored around the 10-day period, balancing the urgency of addressing aviation safety while allowing for proper data collection. Other timelines reflect different contexts and legal obligations but do not meet the specific requirement set by the NTSB for aviation accidents.