GILS: Accident Investigation Dockets

Abstract: The National Transportation Safety Board is responsible for the investigation and determination of the probable cause(s) of transportation accidents. Accident Investigation Dockets are maintained for each accident investigated. They are composed of a preliminary report, factual report and brief of accident report. During the period 1978 through 1993, dockets are stored on microfiche. Dockets have been scanned and stored electronically since 1994. The contents of individual files vary according to the transportation mode, level of investigation (i.e., major or regional), and the accident circumstances. An accident docket is opened and made available to the public when a preliminary report is released, usually within five working days of the accident. A preliminary report includes a brief narrative and data fields describing the basic facts of the accident as they are understood at the time. The factual report consists of documents created or acquired by the Safety Board or supplied by parties to the investigation. The brief is a condensed summary of basic facts about the accident. It includes a sequence of events, a narrative and narrative probable cause. The brief becomes available only after official approval by the Board.

Purpose: The Accident Investigation Docket is used to establish the permanent record of an accident. These items support the Board's findings and recommendations. They satisfy the mandate to make available to the public the National Transportation Safety Board accident investigation reports. The dockets serve as permanent archival information for transportation accidents.

Agency Program: Public Law 93-633 requires the National Transportation Safety Board to investigate transportation accidents and report its findings in writing. Other requirements include making these findings available to the public. Maintaining the Accident Investigation Dockets meet these requirements.

AVAILABILITY:

DISTRIBUTOR:
Name: Records Management Division (CIO-40)
Organization: National Transportation Safety Board
Street Address: 490 L'Enfant Plaza, S.W.
City: Washington
State: D.C.
Zip Code: 20594-2000
Country: USA
Network Address: pubinq@ntsb.gov (please include full name, address, and affiliation)
Hours of Service: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Hours of Service: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Public Reference Room
Telephone: 202-314-6551
Telephone: 800-877-6799
Fax: 202-314-6598

Order Process: Currently there is no on-line access to the Accident Investigation Dockets available to the public. Courtesy copies are available under certain conditions through the NTSB directly; other copies are available for purchase from GM (below)

DISTRIBUTOR:
Name: General Microfilm Incorporated (GMI)
Organization: General Microfilm Inc..
Street Address: 632 Files Cross Road
City: Martinsburg
State: West Virginia
Zip Code: 25404
Country: USA
Network Address: http://www.general-microfilm.com  
Hours of Service: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Telephone: 304-267-5830
Fax: 304-264-0862

Order Process: Currently there is no on-line access to the Accident Investigation Dockets available to the public, although portions of selected dockets are available on-line as exhibit items from previous public hearings and board meetings (see News & Events). The dockets are available through GM using the following pricing schedule:

Preliminary Reports $6.00 each *
Probable Cause Reports $6.00 each *
Factual Investigation Report .15 per page
Photographs B&W Laser Prints $1.00 each
Photographs Color 8X10 Glossy $3.50 each
Video Recordings VHS $20.00 each
Audio Records $10.00 each
Certifying Report (Blue Ribbon) $10.00 each
Expedite Service $20.00 per request
Microfiche Duplicates (if available) $1.00 each
Fax - Preliminary or Probable Cause $10.00 each
Fax - Invoice $2.00 each
Fax - Other Reports $2.00 each
Search Charge $15.00 each

Subscription Service
All Preliminary or Probable Cause Reports 2.00 each *
Selected Preliminary or Probable Cause Reports 3.00 each *

The above items require a $5.00 handling charge plus any shipping charges per request.

There are three types of payment plans:

1. VISA or MASTERCARD
2. Prebill - Payment in Advance
3. Purchase Order - Letter on file (request cannot be stopped after printing)

Reproductions and search fees are waived for qualifying foreign countries, international organizations, nonprofit public safety entities, State and Federal transportation agencies, colleges and universities and those persons involved in the accident. If you are in any of these categories, contact the Records Management Division to order a copy of the docket. You must have the date and location of the accident for the docket to be accessed. For aviation accidents it is helpful to have the aircraft registration number available.

Technical Prerequisites:

Sources of Data: The docket is developed by accident investigators of the National Transportation Safety Board.

Access Constraints: Records Management Division staff are not permitted to search the docket using a person's name, pilot certificate number, or other personal identifier. This restriction is imposed by the Privacy Act (5 USC 552a as amended).

Use Constraints: Public Law 93-633 and the National Transportation Safety Board's regulations 49 CFR 835 prohibit the use of accident/incident findings, including the probable cause and contributing factors as evidence in any suit or action for damages arising from that event.

POINT OF CONTACT:
Name: Records Management Division (CIO-40)
Organization: National Transportation Safety Board
Street Address: 490 L'Enfant Plaza, S.W.
City: Washington
State: D.C.
Zip Code: 20594-2000
Country: USA
Network Address: pubinq@ntsb.gov (please include full name, address, and affiliation)
Hours of Service: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Public Reference Room
Telephone: 202-314-6551
Telephone: 800-877-6799
Fax: 202-314-6598

CROSS REFERENCE:
Cross Reference Title: Aviation Accident Database
Cross Reference Linkage: GILS: NTSB0001
Cross Reference Type: text/html

Cross Reference Title: Safety Recommendations Database
Cross Reference Linkage: GILS: NTSB0002
Cross Reference Type: text/html

Cross Reference Title: Publications
Cross Reference Linkage: GILS: NTSB0004
Cross Reference Type: text/html

Schedule Number: NC1 400 77 1

Control Identifier: NTSB0003

RECORD SOURCE:
Department/Agency Name : National Transportation Safety Board
Major Organizational Subdivision: Office of Chief Information Officer
Name of Unit: Records Management Divsion
Date of Last Modification: 19990305