49 CFR Part 830 · 14 CFR Part 5 · FAA AC 120-66B
Event Reporting Decision Tree
Select the event type to see which reports are mandatory, which are recommended, and what the deadlines are — from NTSB immediate notification through NASA ASRS and internal SMS.
What happened?
Accident Serious incident Incident Observation
Select an event type above to see required reports, deadlines, and how to file.
Key rule of thumb
When in doubt about whether NTSB notification is required — call. NTSB Response: 844-373-9922. The cost of an unnecessary call is zero. The cost of failing to notify is a potential violation and destroyed evidence.
NASA ASRS reports provide a "shield" from FAA enforcement for violations disclosed in the report — but only if filed within 10 days, not if you already know the FAA is investigating, and not for intentional or criminal acts.
Advisory only — not legal advice. Reporting requirements are fact-specific. When in doubt, consult your Director of Operations, company legal counsel, or call the NTSB directly. Failing to make a required report is itself a violation.
Frequently asked questions
When does the NTSB require immediate notification?
Under 49 CFR 830.5, the operator must notify the NTSB immediately — by the most expeditious means available — for any accident (fatality, serious injury, or substantial damage) and for certain serious incidents including: flight control system malfunction, required crewmember incapacitation, structural turbine engine failure, in-flight fire, mid-air collision, and property damage exceeding $25,000. The NTSB Response Operations Center is available 24/7 at 844-373-9922.
What is the difference between an accident and a serious incident?
An accident (49 CFR 830.2) involves a fatality, serious injury, or substantial aircraft damage. A serious incident (49 CFR 830.5(a)) is an occurrence — other than an accident — that involves specific circumstances listed in the regulation (such as flight control malfunction, in-flight fire, or crew incapacitation) that could have endangered safety. Both require immediate NTSB notification; accidents additionally require a formal accident report.
What is the NASA ASRS and does it protect against FAA enforcement?
The Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) is a voluntary, confidential reporting system operated by NASA on behalf of the FAA. Filing within 10 days of an event provides a "shield" from FAA enforcement action for violations that were inadvertent and not criminal. The shield does NOT apply if the FAA has already begun an investigation, if the violation was intentional, or if the violation involved a criminal act. File at asrs.arc.nasa.gov.
What is ASAP and how is it different from NASA ASRS?
ASAP (Aviation Safety Action Program) is a company-level voluntary reporting program established under an FAA-approved Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the operator, the FAA, and (if applicable) the employee union. ASAP reports are reviewed by an Event Review Committee and also receive limited FAA enforcement immunity. Unlike ASRS, ASAP reports are not anonymous — they go to your company. ASAP typically has a 24–48 hour reporting window per your MOU. Not all Part 135 operators have ASAP; the program requires FAA approval.
What if I am not sure whether NTSB notification is required?
Call the NTSB. The Response Operations Center is available 24/7 at 844-373-9922. The cost of an unnecessary call is zero. The cost of failing to notify when required is a regulatory violation, potential destruction of evidence, and harm to any safety investigation. When in doubt, call first and sort it out later.
Clearspar closes the loop from event to report to corrective action.
Events are logged in the SMS hazard register, reporting deadlines are tracked, and corrective action status is visible to the DO — not buried in a spreadsheet.
See Clearspar