What type of agency is the NTSB?

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) functions primarily as an investigative authority for transportation incidents. This role involves determining the probable cause of transportation accidents, including those in aviation, rail, maritime, and highway sectors. The NTSB conducts thorough investigations into crashes, utilizing a range of techniques such as examining wreckage, analyzing data, and interviewing witnesses. Their findings lead to safety recommendations aimed at preventing future accidents, making them a crucial entity in enhancing transportation safety.

Understanding the distinctions of the NTSB's role highlights its purpose: while it may produce research or foundational analysis from its investigations, it is not a regulatory body that enforces laws or penalties nor does it serve as a funding agency for safety initiatives. Its primary objective is to promote safety through careful investigation and analysis of incidents rather than through regulatory measures or financial support.