NTSB Training Center

Making transportation safer by conducting independent accident investigations, advocating safety improvements, and deciding pilots’ and mariners’ certification appeals.

Legislative Mandate

• Maintaining our congressionally mandated independence and objectivity;
• Conducting objective, precise accident investigations and safety studies;
• Performing fair and objective airman and mariner certification appeals; 
• Advocating and promoting safety recommendation; 
• Assisting victims of transportation accidents and their families. 

The National Transportation Safety Board is an independent Federal agency charged by Congress with investigating every civil aviation accident in the United States and significant accidents in other modes of transportation – railroad, highway, marine and pipeline. The NTSB determines the probable cause of the accidents and issues safety recommendations aimed at preventing future accidents. In addition, the NTSB carries out special studies concerning transportation safety and coordinates the resources of the Federal Government and other organizations to provide assistance to victims and their family members impacted by major transportation disasters.