The National Transportation Safety Board is an independent federal agency charged by Congress with investigating every civil aviation accident in the United States and significant accidents in other modes of transportation —
highway,
marine,
pipeline, and railroad. We determine the probable cause of the accidents we investigate and issue safety recommendations aimed at preventing future accidents. In addition, we conduct transportation safety research and coordinate the resources of the federal government and other organizations to assist victims and their family members who have been impacted by major transportation disasters.