NTSB Number SPC-05/01
PDF Document(585K)

Summary: This brochure describes how the NTSB coordinates support for victims, family members, and disaster response agencies in the event of a major accident investigation.

The Aviation Disaster Family Assistance Act of 1996 requires the NTSB to coordinate the disaster response resources of federal, state, local, and volunteer agencies. The Board’s staff of experienced disaster responders works closely with these agencies and the airline to meet the needs of aviation disaster victims and their families. Family counseling, victim identification and forensic services, communicating with foreign governments, and translation services are a few of the services the Board coordinates. The Office of Transportation Disaster Assistance (TDA) provides information to family members following the accident. While on scene, TDA personnel conduct briefngs and provide updates on the investigation to family members. Once the on scene phase of the investigation is over, TDA is the primary resource for information for family members as the investigation proceeds.