Plain English Meaning
The NTSB is the government body that investigates aircraft accidents to figure out what went wrong and recommend changes so it doesn't happen again. It is not the same as the FAA, and it does not write or enforce flight rules.
Full Definition
An independent U.S. federal agency responsible for investigating civil aviation accidents and significant incidents, determining their probable cause, and issuing safety recommendations to prevent recurrence. The NTSB also investigates accidents in other transportation modes (rail, marine, highway, pipeline) but is separate from the FAA and has no regulatory authority — it cannot make rules or enforce them.
Context Anchor
Pilots may see NTSB references in accident reporting rules, safety reports, training materials, and FAA handbooks that discuss accident prevention.
Why Pilots Care
NTSB findings frequently to changes in , training requirements, and equipment that directly affect how pilots operate.