📘NTSB 830 – Aircraft Accident and Incident Reporting

✏️ Plain-English Summary

NTSB 830 outlines the reporting requirements for aircraft accidents and incidents. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) requires immediate reporting for specific accidents, while incidents, though less severe, still necessitate documentation. This regulation ensures that aviation incidents and accidents are thoroughly investigated, promoting continuous improvements in aviation safety.

✅ Key Takeaways

What is an Accident?

An accident occurs when:

• There is substantial damage to the aircraft (e.g., crash, significant loss of control)

• The aircraft is missing or cannot be located

• Serious injury or fatality occurs

Immediate Reporting Required:

You must report immediately to the NTSB when the following occurs:

• Serious injury or death

• Substantial damage to the aircraft

• Damage to property or the surrounding environment

What is an Incident?

An incident is less severe and does not involve death or substantial damage to the aircraft.

• Must be reported to the NTSB, but not immediately.

• Examples: Engine failure without significant damage, or a hard landing that doesn’t substantially damage the aircraft.

Video: Incident vs Accident (Pilot Institute)

Who Must Report?

• Pilot: Required to report if the incident or accident occurs while acting as the Pilot in Command (PIC).

• Operator/Owner: Must also report accidents and certain incidents to the NTSB.

When to Report?

• Accidents: Must be reported immediately.

• Incidents: Must be reported within 10 days.

✈️ Scenario

You’re the PIC of a DA40, and during a go-around, the aircraft collides with a light pole, causing significant damage to the wing. The passenger suffers a minor injury but remains conscious.

Action: This qualifies as an accident. You must immediately report this event to the NTSB. The aircraft must remain grounded until cleared by the NTSB investigation.

On a separate flight, your engine fails, but you execute an emergency landing without any damage or injury.

Action: This event qualifies as an incident. You must report it to the NTSB within 10 days.

🧠 Memory Aid

• “Accidents require IMMEDIATE reporting; incidents within 10 days.”

🎓 CFI Teaching Tip

Use this scenario as an opportunity to teach critical decision-making:

"If you ever scratch the aircraft, determine promptly if it's an accident or incident—and then report accordingly to the NTSB."

Reinforce the importance of honesty and accurate reporting as integral to aviation safety.

📚 References

• NTSB 830 – Aircraft Accident and Incident Reporting

• FAA-H-8083-25 – Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge

• AIM 6-1-1 through 6-2-3 – Accident/Incident Reporting Procedures