Plain English Meaning
Government write-ups that explain what happened in an aviation accident, why it happened, and what the investigators concluded caused it.
Full Definition
Official written investigations published by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) detailing the facts, circumstances, contributing factors, and probable cause of civil aviation accidents and selected incidents in the United States.
Context Anchor
Flight instructors may use NTSB accident reports during training discussions to connect flight decisions, aircraft handling, and safety habits to real outcomes.
Derivation
The National Transportation Safety Board was established in 1967 as an independent U.S. agency tasked with investigating transportation accidents. Knowing it is independent — not part of the FAA — helps explain why its are treated as findings rather than action.