What is the time frame within which the injury must occur for it to be classified as "serious" by the NTSB?

The classification of an injury as "serious" by the NTSB is specifically defined in regulatory terms, and it hinges on the duration within which the injury occurs following an accident. According to NTSB regulations, an injury is classified as serious if it results in hospitalization for more than 48 hours, starting from the date of the accident. Therefore, if the injury leads to hospitalization, it must occur within a specified time frame, which is determined to be within 7 days following the event.

This requirement ensures that injuries requiring immediate and intensive medical attention are recorded precisely and tracked for safety and investigation purposes. The 7-day window is significant as it allows for a clear delineation of the severity of the injury connected to the incident, thereby assisting the NTSB in better understanding the consequences of an accident.

In contrast, the other time frames mentioned do not align with the NTSB's definitions and requirements regarding serious injuries and may extend beyond the operationally pertinent time frame that the NTSB has set for proper classification and reporting following an incident.