AFJROTC Commercial and General Aviation Take Off Practice Exam

Which organization is responsible for investigating accidents in all modes of transportation?

1. Federal Aviation Administration

2. National Transportation Safety Board

3. Department of Transportation

4. Transportation Security Administration

The correct answer is: National Transportation Safety Board

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is the organization responsible for investigating accidents in all modes of transportation, including aviation, highways, railroads, pipelines, and maritime. The NTSB's primary mission is to determine the probable cause of transportation accidents and make safety recommendations to prevent future incidents. This independent federal agency gathers evidence, analyzes factors contributing to accidents, and issues reports aimed at improving safety across various transportation systems. The other organizations listed have specific roles that do not cover comprehensive accident investigations across all transportation modes. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) primarily focuses on regulating and overseeing civil aviation, ensuring safety standards for aircraft operations but does not investigate every aspect of transportation accidents. The Department of Transportation (DOT) oversees and coordinates national transportation policy and planning, rather than delving directly into accident investigations. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is concerned primarily with security in transportation systems, particularly in aviation, without a central role in accident investigation. Understanding these distinct responsibilities clarifies why the NTSB stands out as the key organization for investigating accidents across all transport forms.