In case of an accident, what is the NTSB's expectation from an aircraft operator regarding report submissions?

The appropriate expectation from an aircraft operator in the event of an accident aligns with the necessity to inform relevant authorities right away and provide detailed reports as required. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) emphasizes the importance of immediate communication regarding occurrences that could affect flight safety. This means operators are expected to promptly notify the NTSB and provide a thorough report of the incident.

In cases of accidents, operators are encouraged to deliver comprehensive and factual information, which will assist investigators in understanding the sequence of events and developing measures to improve safety. It is not sufficient to wait for a specific request from authorities or to submit reports on set schedules like weekly or prior to creating a safety report, as the initial response and immediate reporting play a critical role in the investigation process. Therefore, ensuring immediate notification and reporting underscores the aircraft operator's responsibility in maintaining safety and transparency with regulatory bodies.