[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 223 (Tuesday, November 19, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 69456-69459]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-27654]


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NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD


Notice To Reinstate a Previously Approved Information Collection; 
Comment Request

AGENCY: National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

ACTION: Notice to reinstate a previously approved information 
collection for review and comment.

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SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act, this notice 
announces the NTSB is submitting an Information Collection Request 
(ICR), described below, to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 
for renewal of a previously approved information collection, NTSB Form 
6120.1. This ICR is the second notice, as required by OMB regulations 
concerning approvals of information collections. This notice again 
describes the nature of the information collection and its expected 
burden; in addition, this notice describes some changes and additions 
the NTSB has made to Form 6120.1 after receiving feedback from the 
general aviation community.

DATES: Submit written comments regarding this proposed collection of 
information by December 19, 2013.

ADDRESSES: Interested members of the public may submit written comments 
on the collection of information to the OMB Desk Officer for the NTSB 
at Office of Management and Budget, 725 17th Street NW., Washington, DC 
20503, Fax: 202-395-5806 (this is not a toll-free number), email: 
[email protected]. Commenters are encouraged, but not 
required, to send a courtesy copy of any comments to the National 
Transportation Safety Board, ATTN: Office of Research and Engineering, 
490 L'Enfant Plaza East SW., Washington, DC 20594.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Loren Groff, NTSB Office of Research 
and Engineering, at (202) 314-6517.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The NTSB announces the proposed extension of 
a public information collection and seeks public comment on the 
collection in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act. The NTSB's 
collection of information on Form 6120.1 is necessary to fulfill the 
NTSB's statutory mandate to investigate transportation accidents, 
because the form requests information concerning aviation accidents and 
incidents. This Notice informs the public that it may submit comments 
concerning the proposed use of this form to the OMB Desk Officer who 
oversees NTSB information collections. This renewal request is not 
associated with a rulemaking activity.

Paperwork Reduction Act Requirement

    In accordance with OMB regulations that require this Notice for 
proposed ICRs, the NTSB herein notifies the public that it may submit 
comments on this proposed renewal of information collection. Title 5 
CFR 1320.5(a)(1)(iv) requires an agency to publish in the Federal 
Register a notice soliciting comments regarding the proposed 
information collection. The notice must describe the information 
collection, the necessity for the collection, and the estimated burden 
the submission of information will impose on respondents. This notice 
must advise the public that it may submit comments directly to OMB. In 
accordance with these regulations, the NTSB now advises the public, via 
this notice, that it may submit comments directly to OMB concerning the 
NTSB's renewal of the information collected on NTSB Form 6120.1.
    Prior to soliciting comments directed to OMB, the applicable 
regulations require an agency to first publish in the Federal Register 
a notice describing the information collection, and requesting the 
public submit comments directly to the agency. 5 CFR 1320.8(d). The 
NTSB published such notice on May 7, 2013. 78 FR 26659.

Public Input Regarding NTSB Form 6120.1

    The NTSB did not receive any written comments concerning the 
proposed renewal of the information collection. However, the NTSB held 
what it has termed a ``listening session'' to obtain feedback from the 
general aviation (GA) community concerning NTSB investigations. The 
majority of NTSB aviation investigations concern GA accidents or 
incidents, and with recent advances in technology, the NTSB seeks to 
ensure it is collecting the most accurate and important information and 
data to ensure appropriate findings of probable cause.
    In furtherance of this goal, the NTSB met with a group of 28 people 
who participated in the NTSB's GA listening session on April 3, 2013. 
These owners, operators, and other members of the GA community (such as 
safety researchers, educators, owner and builder associations, and 
manufacturers) provided input that prompted the NTSB to include a 
question on the form asking what ``additional equipment'' the aircraft 
contained, within the aircraft information category. In addition, the 
NTSB considered this feedback and now proposes updates to the form to 
include additional options for answers to some of the questions on the 
form. These changes are explained more fully below.

Description of NTSB Form 6120.1

    The Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report Form is used 
in determining the facts, conditions, and circumstances for aircraft 
accident prevention activities and for statistical purposes. In 
furtherance of its goal to ensure the form is updated and includes 
information that will assist the NTSB in investigating accidents and 
incidents, the NTSB recently determined it should replace some 
questions and reorganize the form. These changes will ensure the form 
solicits information concerning the latest technologies about which the 
NTSB will need information. In addition, some questions on the form 
will now solicit more specific information.
    The majority of the form's contents remains unchanged; the form is 
still divided into 17 categories, which are titled as follows: Basic 
information;

[[Page 69457]]

aircraft information; owner/operator information; airport information 
(to be completed if accident or incident occurred on approach, takeoff, 
or within 3 miles of an airport); ``flight crew member 1'' information; 
``flight crew member 2'' information \1\; additional flight crew 
members; passengers/other personnel; flight itinerary information; 
weather information at the accident/incident site; damage to aircraft 
and other property \2\; narrative history of flight; recommendation 
(concerning how the accident or incident may have been prevented); 
mechanical malfunction/failure; fuel and services information; 
evacuation of aircraft; and information concerning any other aircraft 
involved in the accident or incident (in the event of a collision).
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    \1\ Previously, the titles of the sections for pilot information 
were entitled, ``Pilot `A' Information'' and ``Pilot `B' 
Information,'' respectively.
    \2\ Previously, the questions concerning the degree of damage 
the aircraft sustained, whether it was on fire, whether it exploded, 
and a description of the damage were all in distinct categories. In 
the proposed new form, the NTSB will seek information concerning 
aircraft damage, fire, and explosion in a general category entitled 
``damage to aircraft and other property.''
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A. Basic Information

    The basic information category remains largely unchanged; as 
described in the NTSB's previous notice concerning this ICR, the 
category requests information concerning the location and date and time 
of the accident or incident, the phase of operation during which the 
accident or incident occurred, and whether the occurrence was a 
collision with other aircraft. The question concerning the altitude if 
the event was an in-flight occurrence is no longer on the form; 
instead, the basic information section includes fields in which the 
respondent can enter in decimal degrees ``minutes:seconds'' the 
latitude and longitude of the accident or incident.

B. Aircraft Information

1. Prior Requests
    The aircraft information category continues to request the 
following information concerning the aircraft: manufacturer, model, 
serial number, registration number, weight and center of gravity of the 
aircraft, whether the aircraft was amateur-built, category of aircraft, 
type of airworthiness certificate, number of seats, type of landing 
gear, type of maintenance program, type and date of last inspection, 
total time on airframe, type of fire extinguishing system, type of 
reciprocating fuel system, and type of propeller. The aircraft 
information category also continues to request ``yes'' or ``no'' 
answers to the following: Whether the aircraft had a stall warning 
system installed; whether the emergency locator transmitter (ELT) was 
activated, and additional information about the ELT, such as whether it 
aided in locating the accident/incident, its manufacturer, model/
series, serial number, and battery type. This section of the form also 
still requests detailed information concerning the engine(s) on the 
aircraft, such as the engine manufacturer, model/series, serial number, 
date of manufacture, type of power measurement (horsepower or pounds of 
thrust), total time on engine, time since last inspection, and time 
since overhaul.
2. New Requests
    Also within the aircraft information section, the new version of 
the form will now request information concerning the following: The 
year of manufacture of the aircraft and if amateur built, the make of 
the kit/plans used or whether the aircraft was built according to 
``original design.'' In addition, the form now requests a selection 
from the following options: ``IFR [instrument flight rules] equipped 
and certified,'' ``commercial space flight,'' or ``unmanned aircraft.'' 
The aircraft information category also now includes space for two 
propellers, rather than one; if applicable, respondents will complete 
information indicating the manufacturer and model of both propellers. 
For the question concerning the ELT on the aircraft, the new form 
includes additional questions: The TSO Number, from a selection of the 
following choices: C91 (121.5 MHz); C91a (121.5 MHz); or C126 (406 
MHz). In this regard, the form also solicits answers to whether the ELT 
was still mounted in the aircraft, whether it was still connected to 
antenna, and, if it was not activated, the reason for its damage 
(impact damage, fire damage, battery expired/damaged, or unknown).
    Finally, the aircraft information section also now includes a 
selection from the following list of equipment, and asks respondents to 
check any of the following items that were on the aircraft: ADS-B, 
airframe parachute, angle of attack indicator, autopilot, data 
recorder, electronic flight bag or handheld device, electronic 
malfunction display, electronic primary flight display, handheld GPS, 
heads up display, onboard weather, satellite tracking device, stall 
warning system, video recording device, and an option stating ``other, 
specify.''

C. Owner/Operator Information

    The owner/operator section of NTSB Form 6120.1 also remains largely 
unchanged, but is organized in a way that is more easily 
understandable. The section continues to request specific information 
concerning the status of the aircraft, such as the names and contact 
information for both the owner and the operator of the aircraft, the 
Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) under which the flight was conducted, 
whether the flight was a revenue sightseeing flight or air medical 
flight,\3\ the purpose of the flight, the type of revenue operation, 
type of cargo operation (if applicable), and the type of commercial 
operating certificate the operator holds. These questions now contain 
additional options, such as FAR 415, FAR 431, FAR 435, and FAR 437 in 
the question asking the ``regulation'' under which the flight was 
conducted; these new FAR parts will assist the NTSB in identifying 
flights that were conducted as part of a commercial space launch. It 
also contains updated options concerning the purpose of the flight, 
such as banner tow, external load, firefighting, glider tow, and 
skydiving. The NTSB believes including these options to the questions 
will ensure it obtains the most accurate responses to the form.
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    \3\ The instructions section of the form, which precedes all 
questions, now includes brief definitions of ``revenue sightseeing 
flight'' and ``air medical flight.''
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    Regarding airport information, the form continues to request the 
airport name and identifier, the aircraft's proximity to the airport 
(as off or on the airport or airstrip), distance and direction from 
airport, and the elevation of the airport. The form includes boxes for 
respondents to check describing the approach segment, type of IFR 
approach, type of visual flight rules (VFR) approach, runway 
information, and type and condition of runway or landing surface. These 
questions remain unchanged. However, within the airport departure 
segment question, the form will now offer the following options in 
addition to the existing ones: ``taxi,'' ``takeoff,'' ``initial 
climb,'' ``VFR departure,'' ``IFR departure/clearance,'' and 
``unknown.'' The NTSB believes these additional options will ensure the 
most accurate responses.

D. Crew Information

1. Prior Requests
    Concerning the crew aboard the aircraft, the form continues to 
request information on both pilots, such as names and contact 
information, dates of birth, certificate numbers, degree of injury, 
seats occupied, whether the

[[Page 69458]]

pilots used seat belts and shoulder harnesses, the types of pilot and 
medical certificates held, the principal occupation, and date of last 
aviation medical examination. With regard to each pilot's medical 
information, the form also requests a listing of any medical 
certificate limitations and waivers. The form also requests information 
concerning each pilot's flight reviews, such as the date of the last 
flight review and the type of aircraft used on the last flight review; 
further, the form solicits information concerning each pilot's ratings, 
such as aircraft ratings, instrument ratings, instructor ratings, and 
type ratings, as well as student endorsements. Finally, the form 
includes a table requesting the amount of flight time (categorized into 
the following sections: Total flight time, pilot-in-command time, 
instructor time, time in this make/model, and time during the last 90 
days, 30 days, and 24 hours) concerning: all aircraft, the make and 
model of the aircraft in which the pilot accrued the flight time, 
airplane single- and multi-engine, night, instrument, rotorcraft, 
glider, and lighter than air. The only addition to the sections 
soliciting information on flight crew member 1 and flight crew member 2 
is a ``yes'' or ``no'' answer to the statement ``Flight crew member 1 
was the pilot flying'' and ``Flight crew member 2 was the pilot 
flying,'' respectively.
2. New Requests and Other Changes
    In a category concerning additional crewmembers, the form now 
includes two spaces \4\ for listing the following information 
concerning different crewmembers: Crewmembers' names and contact 
information, degree of injury, seat occupied, type of pilot 
certificates, whether the crewmember was type-rated for the aircraft 
involved in the accident or incident, and the total flight time at the 
time of the accident or incident. With regard to passengers, the form 
only requests the name, city, state, and zip code for each passenger, 
as well as the seat number, whether the passenger is crew, non-revenue, 
revenue, non-occupant, or Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). 
Previously, the form included eight spaces for listing eight 
passengers' information. The new form includes four spaces for 
passenger information, as the NTSB determined four spaces are 
sufficient.
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    \4\ Previously, the form included spaces for three pilots. The 
NTSB determined only two spaces are necessary.
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    In both the flight crew member 1 and 2 sections, the additional 
flight crewmember section, and in the passengers/other personnel 
section, the NTSB has reorganized them and included additional options 
concerning its questions about restraints. Each of these questions now 
include the following table:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Restraint type
-----------------------------------------------------     Inflatable
            Available                    Used             restraints
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[cir] None......................  [cir] None........  [cir] Not
                                                       installed.
[cir] Lap Only..................  [cir] Lap Only....  [cir] Installed.
[cir] 3-point...................  [cir] 3-point.....  [cir] Not
                                                       deployed.
[cir] 4-point...................  [cir] 4-point.....  [cir] Deployed.
[cir] 5-point...................  [cir] 5-point.....  [cir] Unknown.
[cir] Unknown...................  [cir] Unknown.....  ..................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In addition, the passenger(s)/other personnel section, which 
contains four spaces, now will also include a section of the restraint 
table requesting whether a child under 5 years old was on the aircraft, 
and whether the restraint was: ``child restraint,'' ``lap-held,'' or 
``unknown.''

E. Flight Itinerary Information

    As described in the NTSB's previous notice concerning this form, 
the NTSB also requests information concerning the flight itinerary, 
such as the last departure point and time of departure, and the 
destination. By way of check-the-box responses, this category also 
requests information concerning the type of flight plan filed, type of 
air traffic control clearance or service, airspace where the accident 
or incident occurred, and a description of the aircraft load. This 
section does not contain any proposed changes.

F. Weather Information at the Accident/Incident Site

    The form requests information concerning weather conditions at the 
time of the accident. These requests within the weather category 
continue to ask for information concerning the weather observation 
facility; the source of weather information; the method of briefing 
concerning weather as well as the type and completeness of the 
briefing; the light condition; characterization of visibility; sky and 
lowest cloud condition; the ceiling and its height; the restriction on 
visibility; the wind direction, speed, and gusts; the type and severity 
of turbulence; and a list of Notices to Airman and other similar 
advisories in effect at the time of the flight. In addition, the form 
requests the temperature, altimeter setting, density altitude, and dew 
point. Finally, this category of the form requests information 
concerning actual and forecasted conditions concerning icing, as well 
as the type and intensity of any precipitation. This category only 
contains the addition of one option in the ``source of pilot weather 
information section'': Respondents may now select ``on-board weather'' 
as their means of receiving weather information.

G. Narrative History of Flight

    As stated above, the form concludes with areas for a narrative 
history of the flight and the events or actions the respondent believes 
may have prevented the accident or incident. The proposed new form 
contains these categories in a new location, but the text of the 
questions are the same.

H. Other Information

    The form seeks information concerning whether the aircraft 
sustained a mechanical malfunction or failure. The questions within 
this category, as well as the categories requesting fuel and services 
information, data concerning the evacuation of the aircraft (if 
applicable), and information concerning the other aircraft (if a 
collision occurred) remain the same as described in the NTSB's earlier 
notice concerning this information collection.

I. Certification Statement

    Finally, as described in the NTSB's previous notice regarding this

[[Page 69459]]

information collection, the form also includes a certification 
statement for the respondent to sign, attesting that the information 
provided on the form is complete and accurate to the best of his or her 
knowledge. The proposed new version of the form will allow respondents 
to electronically sign the form by checking a box.

Use of Information on NTSB Form 6120.1

    As described in its May 7, 2013 notice, the NTSB generally uses the 
information provided on Form 6120.1 to determine the facts, conditions, 
and circumstances for aircraft accident prevention activities and for 
statistical purposes. The NTSB typically receives several notifications 
for each accident or incident, but only requests completion of Form 
6120.1 once the NTSB has determined it will pursue an investigation 
into the event. The NTSB utilizes a ``party process,'' as described in 
49 CFR part 831, for its investigations. This process involves the 
NTSB's invitation to outside entities to assist with an investigation 
as a ``party.'' The NTSB extends party status to those organizations 
that can provide the necessary technical assistance to the 
investigation. The investigator-in-charge (IIC), for example, often 
confers party status to the operator, aircraft, systems, and powerplant 
manufacturers, and labor organizations involved because of the accident 
circumstances. Everyone involved in an NTSB investigation, including 
the parties, depend on accurate information contained in NTSB Form 
6120.1 while conducting the investigation and determining which areas 
warrant focus and attention. Overall, the NTSB considers Form 6120.1 to 
be critical to its statutory function of investigation accidents and 
incidents, and subsequently issuing safety recommendations in an effort 
to prevent future accidents and incidents.
    The NTSB has carefully considered whether this collection of 
information on Form 6120.1 is duplicative of any other agency's 
collections of information. The NTSB is unaware of any form the FAA 
disseminates that solicits the same information Form 6120.1 requires. 
However, the NTSB notes some operators may choose to provide a 
voluntary report to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration 
(NASA) in accordance with the Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS). 
NASA will not accept ASRS reports concerning aircraft accidents; 
however, it is possible that an operator could report an incident to 
the NTSB, as defined in 49 CFR 830.2, and contemporaneously submit an 
ASRP report to NASA.
    The NTSB notes completion of NTSB Form 6120.1 is not voluntary, but 
is required by 49 CFR 830.15(a). The NTSB, in general, will not accept 
partially completed forms; NTSB investigators will exercise their 
discretion in requesting completion of a copy of Form 6120.1 a 
respondent submits that is partially completed. In many cases, the NTSB 
recognizes not all fields will apply to each event; therefore, the NTSB 
will not require completion of inapplicable fields.
    Currently, the NTSB accepts paper copies of Form 6120.1 sent via 
postal mail or facsimile, as well as electronic copies of Form 6120.1 
that respondents submit via electronic mail. For electronically 
submitted copies, the NTSB notes its public Web site contains a fill-
able version of Form 6120.1. As described above, the updated version of 
the form will include a box the respondent can check to electronically 
sign the form; therefore, respondents need not scan a copy of the form 
to send it via electronic mail, because respondents now have the option 
of completing the form by typing answers within the electronic version 
and sending it via electronic mail.
    The NTSB has carefully reviewed the form to ensure that it has used 
plain, coherent, and unambiguous terminology in its request for 
information. The NTSB estimates that respondents will spend 
approximately 60 minutes in completing the form. The NTSB estimates 
that approximately 1,800 respondents per year will complete the form, 
but notes that this number may vary, given the unpredictable nature of 
the frequency of aviation accidents and incidents.

Deborah A.P. Hersman,
Chairman.
[FR Doc. 2013-27654 Filed 11-18-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7533-01-P