Private Pilot Private Exam

What should be done if an accident results in substantial damage?

1. File a report within 5 days

2. Notify NTSB immediately

3. Wait for NTSB to arrive

4. Perform a preliminary investigation

The correct answer is: Notify NTSB immediately

In the event of an accident that results in substantial damage to an aircraft, notifying the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) immediately is the appropriate course of action. The NTSB plays a crucial role in investigating aviation accidents and incidents to determine their causes and contributing factors. Prompt notification allows them to mobilize resources, initiate their investigative process, and gather critical evidence before alterations to the accident scene or the aircraft can occur. Taking swift action to inform the NTSB ensures that the investigation is not compromised and allows for a thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding the accident. This adherence to protocol is essential for maintaining safety standards in aviation and is required by federal regulations. The other options, while they may involve aspects of post-accident procedure, do not take precedence over the immediate notification of the NTSB in cases of substantial damage. For example, filing a report within a specific timeframe is important but is secondary to ensuring that the NTSB is aware and can act on the incident promptly. Similarly, waiting for the NTSB to arrive or conducting a preliminary investigation is not aligned with the required immediate action to bring the incident to their attention.