If an aircraft is involved in an incident, what determines the need for an NTSB report?

The necessity for an NTSB report is primarily determined by the severity of damage incurred during an incident involving an aircraft. When significant damage occurs, such as structural failure or a loss of control, it triggers regulatory requirements for investigating the event thoroughly to ensure safety protocols and prevent future occurrences. The NTSB focuses on substantial incidents that may indicate systemic issues in operational safety or aircraft performance.

The other factors, while they may influence the context of an incident, do not have the same direct regulatory impact regarding the requirement for a report. For instance, adverse weather conditions can contribute to an incident but are not decisive in the necessity for a formal investigation. Likewise, passenger complaints might highlight service issues but do not dictate reporting requirements. Operator decisions can be crucial for incident response but again do not determine the need for an NTSB report directly. The core criterion remains the magnitude of the damage and its implications for safety investigations.