Independently Advancing Transportation Safety
- 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 NTSB is an independent federal agency charged by Congress with investigating every civil aviation accident in the U.S. and significant accidents in other modes of transportation-railroad, highway, marine and pipeline. The NTSB determines the probable cause of each accident investigated 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.
Read more about the NTSB in the 2013 to 2016 Strategic Plan
The NTSB has five Board Members, each nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate to serve 5-year terms. A Member is designated by the President as Chairman and another as Vice Chairman for 2-year terms. The Chairmanship requires separate Senate confirmation. When there is no designated Chairman, the Vice Chairman serves as Acting Chairman. More Info >
The NTSB originated in the Air Commerce Act of 1926, in which the U.S. Congress charged the U.S. Department of Commerce with investigating the causes of aircraft accidents. Later, that responsibility was given to the Civil Aeronautics Board's Bureau of Aviation Safety, when it was created in 1940. More Info >
The NTSB has approximately 400 employees located in its Headquarters in Washington, DC, and in regional field offices in Ashburn (VA), Atlanta (GA), Miami (FL), Chicago (IL), Denver (CO), Arlington (TX), Federal Way (WA), Anchorage (AL), and Gardena (CA). More Info >
Office of Administration
Office of Administrative Law Judges
Office of Aviation Safety
Office of Chief Financial Officer
Office of Chief Information Officer
Office of Communications
Office of Equal Employment Opportunity, Diversity and Inclusion
Office of the General Counsel
Office of Highway Safety
Office of the Managing Director
Office of Marine Safety
Office of Research and Engineering
Office of Railroad, Pipeline & Hazardous Materials Investigations
Organizational Chart
