When is an aircraft operator required to submit a report to the nearest NTSB field office?

An aircraft operator is required to submit a report to the nearest NTSB field office when specifically requested by the NTSB. This aligns with the procedural guidelines established for reporting incidents and accidents. The requirement emphasizes that not all incidents necessitate reporting; however, if the NTSB deems it necessary to investigate a situation or gather more information for safety analysis, they will instruct the operator to provide a report.

This practice helps the NTSB maintain oversight without overwhelming them with unnecessary reports for every minor incident, allowing for a more efficient and focused investigation process when warranted. Other scenarios, such as immediate reporting after any incident or adhering to a timeline of 10 days or the end of the month, do not accurately reflect the protocols set by the NTSB for such circumstances. Consequently, the emphasis here is on the NTSB's authority to call for reports as needed, rather than a blanket requirement for all incidents.