Which government agency is responsible for investigating aviation accidents?

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is the government agency tasked with investigating aviation accidents. This agency plays a critical role in determining the causes of aviation incidents, not just to facilitate the understanding of what went wrong, but also to make recommendations aimed at improving safety across the aviation industry. The NTSB operates independently of other transportation agencies and focuses specifically on accident investigations and the subsequent safety recommendations that emerge from those investigations.

The NTSB's mandate includes conducting thorough investigations into aviation accidents, which often involves collecting evidence, analyzing data, and interviewing witnesses. Their findings contribute significantly to preventing future incidents and ensuring a safer air travel experience for everyone.

In contrast, while the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) oversees civil aviation regulation and safety, it does not investigate accidents; rather, it focuses on the administration and enforcement of aviation regulations. NASA conducts research and development in aeronautics and space exploration, but it is not involved in accident investigations. The Department of Transportation (DOT) encompasses a broader range of transportation matters and includes various agencies, but it does not specifically target aviation accident investigations as its primary function.