How does the NTSB define substantial damage?

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) defines substantial damage as damage that requires the replacement of a major component, which affects the aircraft's performance. This can include damage to critical structures, control surfaces, or other integral parts of the aircraft that are essential for safe operation. The definition emphasizes the importance of the involved components in maintaining the aircraft’s airworthiness and overall safety.

For instance, if the aircraft has a damaged wing, fuselage, or engine that compromises its structural integrity or performance capabilities, this would be characterized as substantial damage. In this context, options that suggest minor damage, such as scratches or cosmetic issues, would not fit the NTSB's criteria for substantial damage. Furthermore, the idea that substantial damage cannot be defined contradicts the established guidelines by the NTSB, which provides clear criteria for what constitutes this level of damage.