49 CFR Part 830

Notification and Reporting of Aircraft Accidents or Incidents (NTSB Part 830)

49 CFR Part 830 defines NTSB notification and reporting requirements for aircraft accidents and incidents. It defines the difference between an accident and an incident, requires immediate notification to the NTSB for accidents and certain incidents, and specifies when a written report (NTSB Form 6120.1) must be filed. This is one of the most heavily tested regulatory topics on all FAA knowledge exams.

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Why This Document Matters

Part 830 is short but critical — it defines when you must notify the NTSB and when you must file a written report. Every FAA knowledge test from Private through ATP includes questions on Part 830. The key concepts are: the definition of an accident vs. an incident, what events require immediate NTSB notification, the 10-day written report requirement for accidents, and the specific incidents that trigger notification (such as in-flight fire, flight control malfunction, or inability of a required crewmember to perform duties due to illness/injury).

Study This Document in One Loop

What is the Study Loop?

A 30-60 minute scenario-first session that replaces hours of passive reading.

Stage 1

Scenario

You're taxiing in after a good XC training flight with your student. You touched a runway edge light during rollout — visible scrape on the wheel pant, light appears intact. No injuries. Your airplane is rented. Your CFI says 'no big deal, let's just log it and move on.' But you remember something about Part 830.

Stage 2

Decision

Is this an accident or incident? Do you need to notify the NTSB immediately? Who else? In what timeframe?

Write your answer before you open the handbook. That exposes the gap.

Stage 3

Targeted Learning

Open only these sections of the NTSB Part 830:

§830.2 — Definitions (accident: substantial damage OR serious injury/fatality)
§830.5 — Immediate notification (specific events triggering NTSB call)
§830.15 — Written reports (Form 6120.1 within 10 days for accidents)
§830.10 — Preservation of wreckage

Stage 4

Debrief

Compare your Decision to what the handbook says:

?"Substantial damage" definition: affects structural strength, performance, OR flight characteristics AND requires repair. Does a wheel-pant scrape qualify?
?Serious injury: hospitalization >48 hrs starting within 7 days; bone fracture (except nose/fingers/toes); severe hemorrhage or organ damage; 2nd/3rd degree burns ≥5% body; exposure to infectious substances. None apply here.
?§830.5 reportable incidents: flight control malfunction, inability of required crewmember, in-flight fire, aircraft collision, damage >$25K to property other than aircraft. Any of these?
?If neither accident nor §830.5 incident: probably no NTSB obligation, but FBO/insurance/FAA may have their own. "Log it and move on" may still not be right.

Stage 5

Reinforcement

Turn your biggest miss into fast-recall rules:

Accident = substantial damage OR serious injury/fatality. Incident = everything else with safety implications.
§830.5 events require IMMEDIATE NTSB notification (phone). Written report (Form 6120.1) within 10 days for accidents.
When unsure, call NTSB. Their first question is almost always "was there substantial damage or injury?"

What Order to Read the NTSB Part 830

Don't read by chapter number. Work the four phases. Start with whichever you're weakest in.

Survival Thinking

“What can hurt me?”

•§830.5 list — the events requiring immediate notification (memorize)

Interpretation

“What am I looking at?”

•§830.2 — Accident vs. incident definitions

Prediction

“What will happen?”

•§830.15 — Written report timeline and content

Checkride Mode

“Can I explain it under pressure?”

•DPE will ask accident/incident definitions and §830.5 scenarios. Heavily tested.
•Know the 10-day written report rule for accidents

Chapter-by-Chapter Guide

What each section covers and the key topics to study

Definitions and Notification Requirements

Definitions of accident and incident, immediate notification requirements, and reportable events.

Key Topics

Accident definition (substantial damage or serious injury/fatality)Incident definition (not meeting accident criteria)Immediate notification events (830.5)10-day written report for accidentsWreckage preservation requirements

Study Tips

Memorize the definition of an aircraft accident: an occurrence associated with the operation of an aircraft that results in (1) death or serious injury, or (2) substantial damage to the aircraft. Engine failure, bent landing gear, and minor damage are NOT accidents unless they cause serious injury.
Know the immediate notification events in 830.5: flight control system malfunction, inability of a required crewmember to perform duties, in-flight fire, mid-air collision, property damage exceeding $25,000, and release of a propeller blade.
Remember: accidents require BOTH immediate notification AND a written report within 10 days. Incidents listed in 830.5 require immediate notification only (written report only if requested by NTSB). Overdue aircraft require immediate notification only.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an aircraft accident and an incident?

An accident involves death, serious injury, or substantial damage to the aircraft. An incident is an occurrence other than an accident that affects or could affect the safety of operations. Key distinction: a hard landing that bends the landing gear is typically an incident (not substantial damage), while a hard landing that buckles the fuselage is an accident.

When must I notify the NTSB?

You must notify the NTSB immediately for all aircraft accidents and for specific incidents listed in 49 CFR 830.5, including: flight control system malfunction, inability of a crewmember to perform duties, in-flight fire, mid-air collision, and certain other events. Notification is made to the nearest NTSB field office.

Quick Facts

Document ID: 49 CFR Part 830
Last Updated: 2024
Cost: Free
Publisher: FAA

Applies To

StudentPrivateInstrumentCommercialCFIATP

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