The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigates accidents, determines probable causes, and issues safety recommendations, most often to the FAA.1 The NTSB issues preliminary reports regarding fatal aircraft crashes.2 The NTSB participates in investigations of accidents in foreign countries that involve U.S. carriers, U.S.-manufactured or -designed equipment, or U.S.-registered aircraft, in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) agreements.3

NTSB data from January 2025 showed 62 recorded aviation events, incidents, or accidents, which was nearly two every day. The NTSB released the Convair 440 N24DR final report, file CEN19MA312, on August 31, 2022.

The NTSB does not have regulatory power, unlike the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).1 The NTSB cannot issue airworthiness directives, revoke pilot certificates, or modify flight procedures.1 Pilots and operators must promptly report qualifying accidents and certain serious incidents to the NTSB.4 Following an accident, aircraft wreckage and records must generally be preserved.4

The NTSB most often issues safety recommendations to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).1 The FAA is also involved in investigating mid-air collisions. The NTSB and the FAA have launched joint investigations into the causes of crashes.