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 events in other modes of transportation—railroad,
transit,
highway,
marine,
pipeline, and
commercial space.
We determine the probable cause of the accidents we investigate and issue safety recommendations aimed at preventing future accidents. In addition, we conduct transportation safety research studies and offer information and other
assistance to family members and survivors for any accident investigated by the agency.
