[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 155 (Tuesday, August 12, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 47064-47081]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-18921]



[[Page 47064]]

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NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD

49 CFR Part 831

[Docket No. NTSB-GC-2012-0002]
RIN 3147-AA01


 Investigation Procedures

AGENCY: National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.

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SUMMARY: The NTSB is proposing to amend its regulations that address 
the NTSB's investigation procedures. Specifically, the NTSB proposes to 
organize regulations into distinct mode-specific subparts, where 
appropriate. While some of these proposed amendments are merely 
technical in nature, this notice proposes several substantive changes. 
In addition, in this rulemaking, the NTSB proposes including its party 
agreement form as an appendix and solicits comment on revisions to the 
party agreement.

DATES: Comments must be received by October 14, 2014. Comments received 
after the deadline will be considered to the extent possible.

ADDRESSES: A copy of this NPRM, published in the Federal Register (FR), 
is available for inspection and copying in the NTSB's public reading 
room, located at 490 L'Enfant Plaza, SW., Washington, DC 20594-2003. 
Alternatively, a copy is available on the government-wide Web site on 
regulations at http://www.regulations.gov (Docket ID Number NTSB-GC-
2012-0002).
    You may send comments identified by Docket ID Number NTSB-GC-2012-
0002 using any of the following methods:
    Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and 
follow the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
    Mail: Send comments to NTSB Office of General Counsel, 490 L'Enfant 
Plaza East, SW., Washington, DC 20594-2003.
    Facsimile: Fax comments to 202-314-6090.
    Hand Delivery: Bring comments to 490 L'Enfant Plaza East, SW., 6th 
Floor, Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through 
Friday, except Federal holidays. For more information on the rulemaking 
process, see the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this document.
    Privacy: We will post all comments we receive, without change, to 
http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information 
provided.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David Tochen, General Counsel, (202) 
314-6080.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Background

    On June 25, 2012, the NTSB published a notice indicating its intent 
to undertake a review of all NTSB regulations to ensure they are 
updated. 77 FR 37865. The NTSB initiated this review in accordance with 
Executive Order 13579, ``Regulation and Independent Regulatory 
Agencies,'' issued July 11, 2011. The purpose of Executive Order 13579 
is to ensure all agencies adhere to the key principles found in 
Executive Order 13563, ``Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review,'' 
issued January 18, 2011, which include promoting public participation 
in rulemaking, improving integration and innovation, promoting 
flexibility and freedom of choice, and ensuring scientific integrity 
during the rulemaking process in order to create a regulatory system 
that protects public health, welfare, safety, and the environment while 
promoting economic growth, innovation, competitiveness, and job 
creation. The NTSB explained in its June 25, 2012, notice that it is 
committed to ensuring its regulations remain updated and comply with 
these principles.
    As stated in the notice, the NTSB determined a very limited number 
of the NTSB's rules might be ``major rules,'' because they do not have 
a ``significant economic impact upon a substantial number of small 
entities.'' In addition, the NTSB is not primarily a regulatory agency; 
as a result, its regulations typically address procedures to further 
the agency's statutory responsibilities to investigate the facts, 
circumstances, and cause of transportation accidents and incidents, or 
implement government-wide statutes, such as the Freedom of Information 
Act and the Privacy Act. The NTSB identified 49 CFR part 831 as the 
sole regulatory part of the NTSB's regulations that could, when viewed 
in the broadest sense, have a significant economic impact on small 
entities. Therefore, the NTSB carefully reviewed all sections within 49 
CFR part 831, in the interest of ensuring they accomplish the 
objectives stated in Executive Order 13563 and Executive Order 13579. 
The NTSB published an additional notice in the Federal Register on 
January 8, 2013, describing the NTSB's plan for updating all 
regulations. 78 FR 1193. The NTSB publishes this NPRM in accordance 
with the NTSB's plan.

II. Comments

    The NTSB received five comments in response to its June 25, 2012 
notice describing its planned review of 49 CFR part 831. Organizations 
in the transportation industry whose members have previously 
participated in NTSB investigations as ``parties'' pursuant to part 831 
submitted comments: The Air Line Pilots Association, International; 
Airlines for America (A4A); the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-
CIO; GE Aviation; and six railroad labor organizations, which submitted 
a joint comment.\1\ The comments generally support the NTSB's party 
process, and made no specific substantive suggestions. The only comment 
that contained specific suggestions for substantive changes was the 
comment A4A submitted. We will address A4A's specific suggestions in 
turn in subsections II. and III.
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    \1\ American Train Dispatchers Association; Brotherhood of 
Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen; Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way 
Employees Division; Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen; Brotherhood 
Railway Carmen Division; and United Transportation Union.
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    A4A suggested several changes to various sections within part 831. 
In particular, A4A suggested the NTSB change Sec.  831.6 to strengthen 
the protections from disclosure that the NTSB provides to submitters of 
voluntary safety-related information, such as information gathered 
through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-NTSB Aviation Safety 
Information and Analysis Sharing System program.\2\ A4A also stated 
witnesses whom the NTSB interview during investigations often must 
choose between having an attorney or a union official represent them. 
Therefore, A4A suggested the NTSB amend Sec.  831.7 to allow a witness 
to have up to two representatives. In addition, regarding section 
831.12 and access to information, the comment contained a lengthy 
description of how the NTSB might consider gaining access to new 
cockpit voice recorder (CVR) or Flight Data Recorder (FDR) recordings 
by remotely downloading the data from the devices, rather than removing 
the physical devices from each aircraft to read the data on them. A4A 
also suggested the NTSB establish ``a firm deadline'' for returning the 
physical devices to the air carrier. Regarding section 831.13 and 
dissemination of information concerning investigations, A4A suggested 
the NTSB clarify the

[[Page 47065]]

term ``information concerning an accident,'' and consider implementing 
exceptions to the prohibition on disseminating information from an 
investigation by allowing such dissemination when necessary ``to 
locate, review and evaluate information that may be related to the 
accident or requested by the NTSB,'' to ``prepare witnesses,'' or to 
``share critical safety information'' within the party's organization. 
Concerning this issue of sharing information from an NTSB 
investigation, A4A also stated, ``[t]he concept that all such 
information is restricted to the Party Coordinator and group 
participants is impractical and can impede the investigative goals of 
the Board.'' Finally, A4A suggested the NTSB provide parties an advance 
copy of analytical documents, but not proposed probable cause findings, 
``so that erroneous or incomplete factual conclusions can be pointed 
out and corrected in advance of the Sunshine Meeting.'' A4A included 
this suggestion under Sec.  831.14, which sets forth requirements for 
parties' submission of proposed findings of accident investigations.
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    \2\ For further information concerning the FAA-NTSB Aviation 
Safety Information and Analysis Sharing System program, see the 
preamble discussion under proposed Sec.  831.6, Request to withhold 
information, below.
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    The NTSB responds to these suggestions within the discussion 
section, which explains the NTSB's proposed changes to 49 CFR part 831.

III. Changes and Additions

    The NTSB proposes to reorganize part 831 because this part 
currently contains some sections that apply only to aviation accident 
and incident investigations and other sections that apply to 
investigations of transportation events that occur in the surface, 
rail, marine, and pipeline modes or involve the movement of hazardous 
materials. By including terms such as ``crash,'' ``transportation 
event,'' ``collision,'' ``casualty,'' ``mishap,'' and the like in lieu 
of the term ``accident'' in some places in the preamble's description 
of this part, and in some proposed sections of regulatory text, the 
NTSB provides additional descriptive terms of transportation events 
that it investigates in order to improve transportation safety. The 
NTSB proposes including other terms in the mode-specific subparts, as 
appropriate. As discussed below in the summary regarding proposed 
changes to Sec.  831.1, the NTSB's inclusion of these terms is not 
exhaustive and does not serve as an expansion or a limitation on the 
NTSB's authority to investigate accidents and incidents.
    Proposed subpart A would retain most of the regulations that 
currently exist in part 831 and would apply to all investigations, 
regardless of transportation mode. The following subparts would apply 
to a specific transportation mode, as follows: Subpart B--aviation 
investigations; Subpart C--highway investigations; Subpart D--railroad, 
pipeline, and hazardous materials investigations; and Subpart E--marine 
investigations.

Subpart A: General

Section 831.1 Applicability of Part
    The NTSB proposes amending Sec.  831.1 to include an updated 
statute citation and to delete the second sentence, which states, 
``[r]ules applicable to accident hearings and reports are set forth in 
Part 845.'' The NTSB believes this sentence is unnecessary. In 
addition, the NTSB proposes changing the first sentence, which 
currently references the ``Independent Safety Board Act of 1974'' and 
the ``Federal Aviation Act of 1958'' to read ``49 U.S.C. 1101-1155.'' 
The two Acts referenced in the current version of Sec.  831.1 have been 
amended several times and codified in various locations in title 49 of 
the United States Code. In addition, these two Acts, as well as many 
other transportation-related statutes were repealed and recodified 
without any substantive changes as part of the recodification of title 
49 of the United States Code in 1994. Public Law 103-272, section 7(b). 
The NTSB has broad authority within 49 U.S.C. 1101-1155 to conduct 
investigations; therefore, the NTSB believes the citation to 49 U.S.C. 
1101-1155 appropriately identifies the source of the NTSB's authority 
for part 831.
    In Sec.  831.1, the NTSB proposes including a listing of 
transportation events, the investigation of which the NTSB conducts 
under the provisions of 49 CFR part 831. The NTSB's proposal in this 
regard reflects the NTSB's effort to incorporate terms commonly used in 
each modal industry, such as derailment or casualty. The NTSB remains 
cognizant of its authority as defined in part by the word ``accident'' 
in 49 U.S.C. 1101, which states that the term `accident' includes 
damage to or destruction of vehicles regardless of whether the 
initiating event is accidental or otherwise. However, various 
stakeholders describe transportation events with different terminology. 
Our use of the term ``event'' in subpart A, and of other terms in 
subparts B-E, reflects the NTSB's use of a general descriptor.
Section 831.2 Responsibility of NTSB
    As described above, the NTSB proposes reorganizing part 831, to 
include a subpart that pertains to all modes of transportation subject 
to NTSB investigative jurisdiction (Subpart A) and mode-specific 
subparts (Subparts B, C, D, and E). The NTSB proposes moving the 
aviation-specific portions of part 831 from Sec.  831.2 to subpart B. 
Therefore, the NTSB proposes non-substantive formatting changes to 
Sec.  831.2 that are consistent with the proposed reorganization of 
part 831. For example, proposed Sec. Sec.  831.30, 831.31, 831.40, 
831.41, 831.50, and 831.51 are all derived from the current version of 
Sec.  831.2.
Section 831.3 Authority of Directors
    Section 831.3 currently states the NTSB office directors of each 
mode of transportation have the authority to order an investigation 
into any accident or incident. The NTSB proposes some minimal changes 
to this section, as well as the inclusion of the term ``event'' rather 
than ``accident or incident.'' The NTSB proposes changing the office 
listing to read, ``Directors, Office of Aviation Safety, Office of 
Highway Safety, Office of Railroad, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials 
Investigations, and Office of Marine Safety,'' to reflect the existing 
NTSB organizational structure.
Section 831.4 Nature of Investigation
    The NTSB seeks to amend this section to explain in more detail its 
current practice of investigating transportation events. The NTSB's 
procedures concerning investigations have been modified over time, 
particularly in the commercial airline industry where events commonly 
require agency staff to make detailed inquiries to obtain information 
concerning passengers', crews', and other individuals' injuries and/or 
damage to property to determine whether the event is an accident or 
incident. The NTSB also engages in a process for determining the 
appropriate level of investigation of transportation events in other 
transportation modes. In general, the NTSB first collects preliminary 
information immediately following an event to determine whether: i. The 
event meets the criteria of a transportation event; ii. the NTSB will 
conduct a formal investigation, complete with visit(s) to the site of 
the event; iii. the NTSB will collect information remotely; or (iv) in 
some cases, close the inquiry without making a probable cause 
determination. As a result, the NTSB proposes new paragraph (a), titled 
``General,'' and paragraph (b), titled ``Phases of investigation.'' The 
NTSB also proposes dividing paragraph (b) into two paragraphs: (1) 
Preliminary investigation, and (2) formal investigation.

[[Page 47066]]

    With regard to paragraph (a), the NTSB proposes text containing 
some technical edits, as well as the phrase ``causes investigations to 
be conducted,'' because the NTSB requests the FAA gather information or 
evidence on its behalf following certain aviation events. Likewise, the 
NTSB's relationship with the U.S. Coast Guard in accordance with 49 
U.S.C. 1131(a)(1)(E), 49 CFR part 850, and its memorandum of 
understanding with the Coast Guard regarding investigations, provide 
that the Coast Guard may conduct certain investigative activities for 
the NTSB, upon request.
    In addition, the NTSB proposes including a phrase stating its 
purpose is not only to ascertain measures that would prevent similar 
events, but also ``mitigate the effects of'' similar events in the 
future. This proposed additional phrase is consistent with 
Congressional intent in authorizing the NTSB to conduct investigations, 
and will ensure this section is consistent with the NTSB's current 
practices.
    The NTSB proposes retaining other text in Sec.  831.4 as part of 
the new paragraph (b) within Sec.  831.4. This paragraph describes the 
phases of an NTSB investigation. The NTSB tailors each investigation to 
accomplish effectively and efficiently the objective of improving 
transportation safety.
    The NTSB proposes changes in paragraph (b), to include some 
subparagraphs, titled ``(1) preliminary investigation,'' and ``(2) 
formal investigation.'' These subparagraphs describe the standard 
phases through which the NTSB assesses the initial facts and then 
initiates a formal investigation.
    In a preliminary investigation, the NTSB will gather available 
facts for the purposes of assessing the appropriate level of 
investigative action. With regard to events that may involve safety 
issues limited in scope, the NTSB may begin a preliminary investigation 
concerning the event, but choose to confine the investigation to 
certain aspects that may relate to safety trends or safety issues of 
concern to the NTSB. For such investigations, the NTSB may not issue a 
report with findings and a probable cause determination, but instead 
may close the investigation with another type of product such as a 
safety recommendation letter or a memorandum to the file. Section 
831.4(b)(1) describes this type of investigation.
    In general, a preliminary investigation may involve certain fact-
gathering activities that are similar to those performed for a formal 
investigation, and as a result of findings, may be upgraded to a formal 
investigation or downgraded at any point in time.
    In addition, the NTSB proposes clarifying the type of record(s) 
that may result from an investigation, by including the phrase ``or 
other NTSB product, such as a collection of factual records or safety 
recommendation(s)'' after the initial phrase of the sentence describing 
the results, which states, ``[t]he investigation results in NTSB 
conclusions issued in the form of a report or brief of the 
investigation.'' The NTSB may conduct some investigations for the 
purpose of determining trends or identifying problems or issues that 
may arise at a later date. In the alternative, the NTSB may issue a 
safety recommendation(s) or other type of document, based on 
information collected from a particular event, without making a 
probable cause determination.
    As a related matter, the NTSB notes it often releases ``preliminary 
reports'' in investigations. These reports provide a concise summary of 
factual information, such as the date and time of the event, the 
location, and other basic information. The NTSB's proposed use of the 
term ``preliminary investigation'' in this NPRM does not indicate a 
change in the NTSB's practice of releasing preliminary reports, and the 
release of such reports does not preclude the NTSB from proceeding with 
a formal investigation, as described below.
    In a formal investigation, the NTSB will proceed by gathering the 
facts to determine the probable cause of the transportation event. Once 
the NTSB determines a formal investigation is warranted, it will engage 
in fact-finding as described in the proposed language of Sec.  
831.4(b). Most of the language in paragraph (b) originates from the 
existing version of Sec.  831.4. This paragraph states the NTSB may 
conduct an on-scene investigation, in which NTSB employee(s) visit the 
site, interview witnesses, conduct testing, extract data, collect 
documentation, and engage in any other activities that would assist the 
NTSB in gathering all discoverable facts relevant to the investigation. 
The NTSB proposes adding the phrase ``extract data'' to the sentence 
describing the NTSB's field investigation. Data recovery is often a 
critical component of investigations, and the NTSB frequently expends 
resources to download or extract data from recorders or devices that 
provide important information. The NTSB also proposes adding the 
phrases ``interview witnesses'' and ``gather documentation'' to this 
list, as both activities are often critical to conducting an 
investigation. Although the list in this regulatory text is not 
exhaustive, the NTSB believes these additions would be beneficial.
    In addition, the NTSB proposes to retain language for paragraph (3) 
to note that its investigations are not for the purpose of determining 
liability. The proposed language is derived from language that 
currently exists in Sec.  831.4, which states the Administrative 
Procedure Act does not apply to NTSB investigations, as they are solely 
fact-finding proceedings with no adverse parties. The NTSB also 
proposes removing the phrase, ``no formal issues'' because the meaning 
of this phrase is unclear; it is not a legal term of art, nor is it 
used in other regulations or the Administrative Procedure Act. The NTSB 
understands non-NTSB investigations for purposes of litigation, and 
litigation itself, often commence soon after the event occurs. The NTSB 
also remains aware of parties' and witnesses' interests, and is 
cognizant of attorneys' desire to take part in various aspects of the 
NTSB investigation. In this regard, the NTSB encourages attorneys to 
contact the NTSB Office of General Counsel when seeking information 
about an NTSB investigation. Coordinating with the NTSB Office of 
General Counsel will ensure agency investigators can remain focused on 
the agency's statutory obligation to investigate an event, rather than 
other interests arising from the transportation event.
Section 831.5 Priority of NTSB Investigations
    The NTSB proposes amending Sec.  831.5, titled ``Priority of NTSB 
investigations,'' by reorganizing the section into two paragraphs and 
by altering language. The NTSB proposes amendments to the existing text 
to achieve two objectives. First, the amendments provide a better 
organizational structure. Second, the amendments specifically address 
situations in which other regulatory and enforcement agencies seek to 
interview and gather evidence to take administrative or other action. 
The amendments balance the need for the NTSB to conduct its 
investigative activities in a manner that permits other agencies to 
fulfill their statutory mandates.
    The NTSB has carefully considered the existing text, and proposes 
amendments to ensure other Federal agencies are aware of the NTSB's 
role as the Federal agency with priority over other investigations of 
transportation events. Consequently, the NTSB proposes the language, 
under the title

[[Page 47067]]

``Priority of NTSB investigations'' in Sec.  831.5.
    As indicated in both the existing and proposed language for Sec.  
831.5, the NTSB is fully aware other agencies (both Federal, state, and 
local) have other statutory responsibilities, such as rulemaking and 
enforcement. The NTSB does not seek to inhibit enforcement actions; 
however, the NTSB must be able to direct its investigations. Consistent 
with the language in the NTSB's enabling statute \3\ concerning other 
federal agencies, the NTSB must ensure these agencies are aware the 
NTSB's investigation has priority. For this reason, the NTSB proposes 
language in Sec.  831.5 to indicate other Federal agencies must conduct 
their work in a manner that recognizes the priority of the NTSB 
investigation. The NTSB believes the best way to accomplish this is for 
the employees of other Federal agencies who are involved in an 
investigation to contact the NTSB investigator-in-charge (IIC) prior to 
questioning a witness, gathering records or documents, or otherwise 
obtaining any type of information relevant to the non-NTSB 
investigation.
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    \3\ 49 U.S.C. 1131(a)(2)(A) (stating, ``an investigation by the 
Board under paragraph (1)(A)-(D) or (F) of this subsection has 
priority over any investigation by another department, agency, or 
instrumentality of the United States Government. The Board shall 
provide for appropriate participation by other departments, 
agencies, or instrumentalities in the investigation. However, those 
departments, agencies, or instrumentalities may not participate in 
the decision of the Board about the probable cause of the 
accident''); see also 49 U.S.C. 1135(a) (requiring the Secretary of 
the Department of Transportation to respond to NTSB safety 
recommendations within 90 days of the issuance of such 
recommendations).
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    The NTSB, as discussed in the preamble concerning Sec.  831.13, 
below, proposes that parties to an NTSB investigation must inform the 
NTSB of any safety-related actions (either preventative or remedial) 
they will take as a result of any information that becomes available 
during an NTSB investigation. The NTSB must remain aware of the actions 
another agency or organization is taking as a result of the information 
gathered during the course of the investigation. The NTSB believes such 
openness will ensure it remains fully informed of corrective actions 
and how those actions could affect the NTSB's activities and findings. 
The NTSB does not wish to impede enforcement or corrective action, but 
seeks to remain aware of the effects of other organizations' 
participation, and to ensure their involvement does not impair the NTSB 
investigation.
    The NTSB also proposes language in Sec.  831.5(a)(3) and (4), to 
ensure the NTSB is fully cognizant of all information pertinent to an 
investigation. Priority over other investigations means the NTSB must 
obtain evidence (including, but not limited to, records that predate 
the event, such as equipment maintenance records or operator training 
records, and statements from witnesses) in a timely manner. This first 
right of NTSB access to information is the best manner in which to 
ensure a complete, independent investigation, and applies to all 
organizations involved in the investigation. In amending this section, 
the NTSB seeks to ensure other agencies are aware the NTSB may request 
they delay collecting evidence or information until the NTSB approves 
of such collection. Similarly, NTSB investigations require party 
participants to assign relevant experts to NTSB investigations.
    The NTSB specifically seeks input from other agencies concerning 
our prioritization of investigative activities. The NTSB seeks to 
ensure other agencies can complete time-sensitive tasks as needed, 
consistent with the NTSB's ability to obtain needed information on a 
priority basis and the NTSB's possession of records does not impair the 
functions of the other agencies.
Section 831.6 Request to Withhold Information
    The NTSB proposes to make minor changes to Sec.  831.6, titled 
``Request to withhold information.'' First, the NTSB proposes adding 
the following two sentences after the ``Trade Secrets Act'' title in 
paragraph (a) of Sec.  831.6: ``This section applies to domestic 
matters. Information the NTSB receives concerning international 
aviation events is addressed in Sec.  821.23 of this part.'' The NTSB 
would not release information from an international investigation that 
the Trade Secrets Act protects.
    The NTSB proposes re-codifying paragraph (a)(3) of Sec.  831.6 as 
paragraph (b). The language of this paragraph would remain mostly 
unchanged. Within this paragraph the NTSB proposes slightly changing 
the description of ``voluntarily-provided safety information'' so the 
description will essentially duplicate the language of 49 U.S.C. 
1114(b)(3).
    The NTSB proposes adding the sentence ``[t]he NTSB will de-identify 
all such safety information to the greatest extent possible'' in 
paragraph (b)(2). The NTSB will de-identify any voluntarily-provided 
safety information to the greatest extent possible if it makes this 
information public.
    The NTSB proposes codifying current paragraph 831.6(b), entitled 
``Other,'' as Sec.  831.6(c). The NTSB does not propose any substantive 
changes to paragraph (c).
    As summarized above, A4A suggested in its comment responding to the 
NTSB's retrospective review notice that the NTSB strengthen the 
protections of Sec.  831.6 ``to facilitate future information exchange 
initiatives,'' such as ``the expected FAA-NTSB Aviation Safety 
Information and Analysis Sharing [ASIAS] System program.'' \4\ The NTSB 
is uncertain that it could withhold voluntarily provided information in 
response to a request under the FOIA, unless the NTSB had a statutory 
exemption permitting it to do so. For example, in protecting data 
obtained through Flight Operational Quality Assurance (FOQA) programs, 
the FAA relies on a statutory protection that protects from public 
disclosure reports data, and other information developed under the 
Aviation Safety Action Program, the FOQA Program, the Line Operations 
Safety Audit Program, information produced for purposes of developing 
and implementing a safety management system, and information prepared 
under the Aviation Safety Information Analysis and Sharing Program (or 
any successor program).\5\
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    \4\ For information concerning ASIAS, please see http://www.asias.faa.gov. ASIAS uses aggregate, protected data from 
industry and government voluntary reporting programs, without 
identifying the source of the data, to determine safety issues 
proactively, identify safety enhancements, and measure the 
effectiveness of solutions.
    The NTSB-ASIAS Memorandum of Understanding signed in November 
2012 outlines the procedures, guidelines, and roles and 
responsibilities for the ASIAS Executive Board to address specific 
written NTSB requests for ASIAS information.
    \5\ 49 U.S.C. 44735, as added by section 310(a) of the FAA 
Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, Pub. L. 112-95, 126 Stat. 11, 
64 (Feb. 14, 2012).
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    The NTSB believes including language in Sec.  831.6 indicating the 
NTSB will not disclose voluntarily provided safety information relevant 
to a particular investigation would be contrary to the NTSB's enabling 
statute, which only prohibits the NTSB from disclosing ``voluntarily 
provided safety-related information if that information is not related 
to the exercise of the Board's . . . investigation authority.'' 49 
U.S.C. 1114(b)(3)(emphasis added). Therefore, the NTSB currently does 
not propose altering Sec.  831.6 to provide protections for voluntarily 
submitted information related to a specific investigation. The NTSB 
understands this topic is of keen interest to the transportation 
industry and other government agencies. As a result, the NTSB 
specifically invites comments on the issue of how the NTSB should 
handle the voluntary provision of transportation safety information.

[[Page 47068]]

Section 831.7 Witness Interviews
    In the interest of clarity and consistency, the NTSB applies Sec.  
831.7 to situations in which a witness appears voluntarily for an 
interview, or in which the NTSB compels a witness to appear by issuing 
a subpoena. It is not unusual for witnesses to be represented in these 
situations and the NTSB is cognizant of litigation arising out of 
transportation events. In the event an attorney or other representative 
has questions concerning the NTSB's investigation or its pursuit of 
witness testimony, the attorney/representative should contact the NTSB 
Office of General Counsel.
    The NTSB proposes changing the title of Sec.  831.7 to ``[w]itness 
interviews,'' to describe this section in a more accurate manner.
    The NTSB proposes these amendments for several reasons. First, some 
witnesses whom the NTSB seeks to interview have expressed their desire 
to be accompanied by more than one person. A4A recommended the NTSB 
change Sec.  831.7 to allow more than one representative accompany each 
witness. In particular, A4A stated:

The designation of one witness representative, attorney or 
otherwise, does not recognize that witnesses are frequently both 
union members and employees of a party, with distinctly different 
duties and interests. This creates unnecessary conflict for a 
witness, since he or she has to choose between a union 
representative or an attorney. Increasing the permissible number of 
representatives to two would better protect a witness in the NTSB 
process.

    The NTSB acknowledges NTSB investigators have indeed conducted 
interviews in which a witness seeks to have both a union representative 
and an attorney present during the interview. The NTSB, however, 
declines to propose changes to Sec.  831.7 to allow for more than one 
representative per witness, for several reasons. The NTSB believes no 
more than one representative is reasonably necessary, to advise and 
provide support to the witness.
    Further, if the NTSB allowed two representatives per witness, the 
possibility could arise the representatives would disagree with how to 
advise the witness during the interview. This would distract from the 
purpose of the interview.
    In addition, the NTSB notes, the proposal for language describing 
the representative's role at the interview is ``not to supplement the 
witness's testimony in any way or represent the interests of other 
affiliations of the witness during the interview.'' The NTSB believes 
this language is necessary, because litigation often has commenced 
before the NTSB interviews witnesses; therefore, the NTSB specifically 
notes it will not allow litigation interests to interfere with the 
fact-finding purpose of witness interviews the NTSB conducts.
    The NTSB also proposes adding a new paragraph (b) to Sec.  831.7, 
to describe investigators' roles in overseeing interviews. This 
paragraph would clearly describe the interview as occurring under the 
supervision of the investigator, and would confirm the investigator has 
the authority to exclude a representative from the interview if the 
representative engages in disorderly conduct or is contumacious. The 
NTSB believes investigators are rarely confronted with such 
circumstances, but it is appropriate to propose this provision in Sec.  
831.7, to ensure representatives are aware NTSB investigators direct 
the course of interviews.
    In addition, the NTSB proposes adding paragraph (c) to Sec.  831.7, 
to clarify the NTSB will release transcripts or summaries of interviews 
and witnesses' and their representatives' names in records that appear 
in the NTSB public docket for an investigation, absent unusual or 
compelling circumstances. This determination concerning the existence 
of unusual or compelling circumstances is solely within the discretion 
of the NTSB. The NTSB believes the language it proposes in paragraph 
(c), therefore, confirms the NTSB has the discretion to withhold 
witnesses' names if circumstances merit such protection.
Section 831.8 Investigator-in-Charge
    The NTSB proposes minimal changes to the text of Sec.  831.8, which 
describes the duties of NTSB investigators-in-charge (IICs). However, 
the NTSB proposes organizing Sec.  831.8 into paragraphs, and removing 
the parentheses from the sentence stating the role of a Board Member at 
the site of an investigation is as the official spokesperson for the 
NTSB. The NTSB believes these changes will allow for quick reference to 
specific provisions of the section, and will assist in the public's 
understanding of IICs' duties.
    The NTSB also proposes including a reference to Sec.  800.27 of the 
NTSB's rules, which provides IICs the authority to sign and issue 
subpoenas, administer oaths and affirmations, and take depositions (or 
cause them to be taken) in furtherance of an investigation. The NTSB 
believes referencing Sec.  800.27 ensures the public and participants 
in NTSB investigations are aware of IICs' authority. In addition, the 
NTSB proposes removing the word ``considerable'' from the final 
sentence in Sec.  831.8, which currently provides the IIC ``continues 
to have considerable organizational and management responsibilities 
throughout later phases of the investigation, up to and including 
consideration and adoption of a report or brief of probable cause(s).'' 
The NTSB does not believe the adjective ``considerable'' is necessary 
in this paragraph, and the inclusion of that term may imply the IIC 
does not have considerable responsibilities from the time the NTSB 
commences the investigation.
Section 831.9 Authority of NTSB Representatives
    Section 831.9, currently titled ``Authority of Board 
representatives,'' discusses the NTSB's authority to enter property or 
wreckage and inspect, photograph, or copy any records or wreckage. 
Section 831.9 also discusses the NTSB's authority to issue subpoenas 
and conduct testing. The NTSB proposes changes to Sec.  831.9, in the 
interest of making the section easier to understand. In general, the 
proposed revisions strive to convey clearly the following: (1) NTSB 
representatives have the authority to enter property and inspect, 
download, photograph, or retain items as necessary to the 
investigation; (2) the NTSB is authorized to obtain evidence, such as 
medical records or testimony, by issuing a subpoena; and (3) the NTSB 
has the authority to conduct and supervise testing of evidence, which 
includes tearing down tangible components and extracting data from 
equipment, and taking any further action necessary to obtain and 
preserve evidence.
    The NTSB's authority to obtain information during the course of an 
investigation is broad. Title 49 U.S.C. 1134 authorizes any NTSB 
``officer or employee'' to obtain information in furtherance of the 
investigation. In addition, 49 U.S.C. 1114(e) authorizes the NTSB to 
obtain drug test information, such as split samples. In this regard, 
the NTSB will work with manufacturers of devices to extract data to the 
extent obtaining such data is beneficial to the NTSB's investigation. 
For example, for many investigations, the NTSB now must extract data 
from wireless devices. The changes the NTSB proposes to Sec.  831.9, 
therefore, accounts for advances in technology.
    In this section, the NTSB proposes using the term authorized 
representative of the NTSB in lieu of ``employee'' because, on some 
occasions, the NTSB requests the assistance of the FAA, local law 
enforcement, or other party representatives to inspect or photograph

[[Page 47069]]

the site of a transportation event, or collect evidence. Similarly, 
upon the approval of the IIC, the NTSB may utilize the assistance of 
other Federal agencies, such as the Coast Guard, the Federal Railroad 
Administration, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety 
Administration, or the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 
among other agencies. The NTSB maintains, in the initial phases of an 
investigation, employees of other Federal agencies who have arrived at 
the site of an event and begin to collect evidence on behalf of the 
NTSB are ``authorized representatives'' of the NTSB. Such conduct is 
consistent with the NTSB's party process, as more fully described 
below, in Sec.  831.11.
    Regarding the other portions of text in paragraphs (a)(1), (2), and 
(3), the proposed text is similar to the language in the existing 
version of Sec.  831.9.
    The NTSB proposes including the description of its subpoena 
authority in paragraph (b). The proposed text for paragraph (b) is 
identical to the current version of Sec.  831.9, although paragraphs 
(1), (2), and (3) are new. These new provisions describe (1) the NTSB's 
authority to obtain medical records and specimens, and (2) the NTSB's 
status under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 
1996 (HIPAA), Public Law 104-91, as a ``public health authority'' \6\ 
and (3) the NTSB's authority to obtain all other records necessary for 
an investigation, such as records from cell phones or other wireless 
devices, as well as credit card records. The NTSB often must issue 
subpoenas to obtain medical records from hospitals and other health 
care providers, and it relies on its status as a recognized ``public 
health authority'' to obtain such records. Including this terminology 
in Sec.  831.9 will ensure hospitals and other providers who have 
medical records critical to an NTSB investigation are aware of the 
NTSB's status under the HIPAA. With regard to paragraph (3), the NTSB 
is committed to obtaining all information necessary for its 
investigations, including records from wireless devices, credit cards, 
and the like. The NTSB obtains and analyzes such records only when 
necessary, and conducts such analysis in the least intrusive manner. 
The NTSB acknowledges the potential confidentiality issues associated 
with such records and, in general, works with the providers of such 
records before contemplating any public release of any portion of such 
a record.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \6\ 64 FR 59956 (Nov. 3, 1999); see also 45 CFR 164.501 and 
164.512(b)(1)(i).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Finally, the NTSB proposes including paragraph (c) in Sec.  831.9 
to describe the NTSB's authority to conduct tests and examine evidence, 
which includes the extraction of data from recorders or equipment. Most 
of the language in the proposed version of Sec.  831.9(c) is similar to 
the current version of the final two sentences in Sec.  831.9(a), which 
is based on the NTSB's statute, at 49 U.S.C. 1134(d). The only term the 
NTSB added to the proposed version of paragraph (c)(1) is ``extraction 
of data.'' With the increasing prevalence of recording devices in daily 
life, the NTSB often encounters recorders associated with accidents 
which require downloading to reveal useful data during an 
investigation. The NTSB proposes the addition of this term because, 
with recent advances in technology and personal use thereof, the NTSB's 
investigations often require the downloading or other retrieval of data 
from recorders or other equipment.
    The NTSB recognizes a party may need access to a recorder or 
equipment. The NTSB will return such items to their owners, once the 
NTSB investigation no longer requires the NTSB's possession of the 
devices. However, as described above in reference to proposed Sec.  
831.5(a)(3) and (4), once an investigation commences, the NTSB 
maintains priority and will direct how and when the extraction of data 
should occur. Section 831.9(c), as proposed, articulates this concept.
Section 831.10 Autopsies and Postmortem Testing
    Section 831.10, titled ``Autopsies,'' states NTSB investigators are 
authorized to obtain copies of autopsy reports or order an autopsy, 
while observing local law protecting religious beliefs. The NTSB 
proposes amending this section to address postmortem testing results, 
which the NTSB frequently needs for the purposes of assessing whether a 
deceased operator consumed drugs or alcohol prior to a transportation 
event. Specifically, the NTSB proposes changing the title of 831.10 to 
``Autopsies and postmortem testing,'' replacing the word ``officials'' 
with the word ``authorities'' in the first sentence, and referencing 
postmortem tests alongside autopsies in the text of Sec.  831.10. When 
sufficient, the NTSB opts to request postmortem testing in lieu of a 
full autopsy. The NTSB understands autopsies are time-consuming and 
costly; therefore, the NTSB only requests an autopsy when the 
information from an autopsy is necessary to the investigation.
Section 831.11 Parties to the Investigation
    Section 831.11, titled ``Parties to the investigation,'' details 
the operation of the NTSB's process of designating parties when the 
agency undertakes an investigation. The NTSB proposes keeping the 
majority of the current text in Sec.  831.11, although reorganizing it 
to add provisions bringing the description up-to-date and addressing 
issues that have arisen in certain investigations.
    The NTSB invites comments concerning the use of the term ``party'' 
and/or ``parties'' in this section and other sections, as appropriate. 
For the language proposed in this NPRM, the NTSB continues to use the 
term ``party.'' The NTSB has long used this term to describe 
participants in NTSB investigations who offer necessary information 
and/or expertise. The NTSB is interested in obtaining feedback 
concerning whether the term ``party'' is appropriate, or whether 
another term, such as ``technical advisor'' is more suitable.
    The NTSB proposes to title paragraph (a) ``[p]articipants,'' and 
include in it the existing text of Sec.  831.11.
    Concerning paragraph (a)(1), the NTSB notes no organization has a 
right to party status. The NTSB provides for participation of the FAA, 
pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 1132(c), when it is ``necessary to carry out the 
duties and powers'' of the FAA. As a matter of practice, the NTSB also 
often designates other Federal agencies to serve as parties. 
Additionally, in particularly complex investigations involving multiple 
parties, the NTSB organizes party representatives into groups arrayed 
by subject matter expertise, each with its own purpose of investigating 
a specific aspect of the event.\7\ When the NTSB designates a 
particular organization as a party, the organization may ask that 
several employees of the organization be permitted to participate in 
each group. The NTSB will designate only qualified individuals who have 
expertise the NTSB determines is necessary to the investigation to 
participate in groups. The IIC ultimately has approval authority for 
each party participant and all group designees, and will assess which 
individuals should assist with the investigation as parties.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \7\ The NTSB's Major Aviation Investigations Manual, available 
at http://www.ntsb.gov/doclib/manuals/MajorInvestigationsManual.pdf, 
describes the NTSB's practice of organizing investigations into 
groups.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In addition, the NTSB proposes including the sentence, ``[t]he 
party representatives proposed by party organizations to participate in 
the

[[Page 47070]]

investigation should, to the extent practicable, be personnel who had 
no direct involvement in the event under investigation.'' In some 
investigations, party participants either had some involvement in an 
event themselves, or had close ties to frontline employees involved in 
the event. The NTSB is concerned this could compromise the 
investigation, particularly in situations in which the NTSB is relying 
exclusively on that specific party for information. The proposed 
language clarifies party participants should be as independent as 
possible from the event. To the extent possible, this independence 
language would apply to FAA employees and representatives. The NTSB 
recognizes each investigation is different, and attempting to designate 
only party participants who have complete independence in some 
investigations may be an impossible goal. The NTSB proposes including 
the term ``to the extent practicable'' to provide adequate flexibility, 
while informing parties the NTSB expects its participants to act in an 
objective manner in assisting with the investigation.
    Concerning paragraphs (a)(3) and (4), this language is from the 
current version of Sec.  831.11(a)(2). The NTSB believes organizing 
Sec.  831.11(a)(2) into two distinct paragraphs, as (a)(3) and (4), 
allows the public to follow paragraph (a) more easily.
    With regard to parties in general, the NTSB often requests party 
participants who may be engaged in enforcement activities to erect a 
figurative ``wall'' between their agency's enforcement and 
investigative duties. Wherever possible, the NTSB seeks to designate 
individuals as party representatives only if they are not also engaged 
in enforcement activities; however, the NTSB acknowledges in some 
cases, the same individual must serve in both roles. As a result, at 
this juncture, the NTSB declines to propose a regulatory prohibition 
stating individuals who are engaged in enforcement duties may not 
participate in NTSB investigations.
    The NTSB proposes paragraph (b) of Sec.  831.11 be titled 
``Disclosures,'' and include text that conveys two concepts: (1) The 
NTSB maintains discretion to disclose party representatives names, and 
(2) the NTSB may share information among parties for purposes of the 
investigation, but will preserve confidentiality to the greatest extent 
possible, and adhere to the provisions of 49 U.S.C. 1114 and Sec.  
831.6(b)(1) of this part.
    This new proposed language results from experiences in some 
investigations. Although the NTSB will refrain from disclosing certain 
information that is exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of 
Information Act (FOIA), parties should expect the names of employees 
and other individuals associated with their organization will appear in 
the NTSB's public docket. The NTSB believes the public has an interest 
in knowing who participated in an NTSB investigation, and parties do 
not have a significant privacy interest in their employees' or members' 
names. As a result, the NTSB party participants' names are not exempt 
from disclosure.
    The NTSB proposes a short statement in paragraph (b)(2) apprising 
potential parties of the practice of sharing information. An 
investigation requires the sharing of information among parties. The 
NTSB attempts to undertake such sharing in a judicious manner, 
especially when the NTSB must ask a party to share confidential or 
commercially valuable information with other party participants. In 
addition, NTSB investigators frequently remind party participants at 
group meetings that the predominant purpose for their participation is 
to assist the NTSB in its investigation, rather than to learn 
investigative information. The NTSB will consider a party's requests 
for imposing limits on sharing certain information or other procedural 
safeguards. In addition, the NTSB, as stated above, generally does not 
place information into the public docket that is exempt from disclosure 
under the FOIA.
    The NTSB proposes keeping most of the text of Sec.  831.11(b) as 
Sec.  831.11(c), with the title ``Party agreement.'' The only 
significant change the NTSB proposes in this paragraph is the addition 
of the statement that employees of other Federal agencies will not be 
required to sign the Statement of Party Representatives. The NTSB's 
practice is to refrain from asking representatives of other Federal 
agencies to sign the Statement. The NTSB does not believe such 
signatures are necessary, as other Federal agencies understand the 
NTSB's party process, NTSB investigative procedures, and their 
responsibilities as party participants in investigations. As a result, 
the NTSB believes it is appropriate to indicate in paragraph (c) of 
Sec.  831.11 that other Federal agencies need not sign the Statement of 
Party Representatives.
    Lastly, in paragraph (d) of Sec.  831.11, the NTSB proposes text 
concerning party inquiries and/or reviews. In this new proposed 
paragraph, the NTSB intends to include text acknowledging parties may 
conduct reviews or audits into certain aspects of a transportation 
event, and requiring party participants to inform the IIC in a timely 
manner of such contemporaneous reviews or audits.
    The NTSB's proposal to add this requirement results from recent 
issues the NTSB encountered in multiple investigations. The NTSB is 
aware parties may conduct their own reviews of oversight deficiencies 
or their processes and procedures following a transportation event. The 
NTSB does not attempt to limit or discourage such activities; however, 
the NTSB notes party participants must remain responsive to NTSB 
requests for information or assistance. In addition, in the event a 
party participant becomes aware of information relevant to the 
investigation, the IIC should be made aware of such information. For 
this reason, the NTSB proposes adding paragraph (d), to require 
participants to inform the IIC if they are conducting a separate audit, 
inquiry, or other review while the NTSB's investigation is ongoing. In 
addition, to the extent a party conducts a review or engages in a post-
event activity that overlaps with the NTSB's work or anticipated work, 
the party must advise the IIC and seek his or her approval to conduct 
these activities. The party must also provide the NTSB with a copy of 
the results of the separate audit, inquiry, or other review. A party 
who engages in such activities without the prior approval of the IIC 
will lose party status. Likewise, any party's failure to disclose the 
results of a separate audit, inquiry, or other review to the IIC will 
result in loss of party status.
Section 831.12 Access to and release of wreckage, records, mail and 
cargo
    The NTSB proposes only minimal edits to Sec.  831.12. The NTSB 
proposes removing the final sentence of paragraph (b) of Sec.  831.12, 
which refers to a form the NTSB completes upon the return of wreckage 
to its owner. Currently, this sentence states, ``[w]hen such material 
is released, Form 6120.15, `Release of Wreckage,' will be completed, 
acknowledging receipt.'' The NTSB does not believe a reference to a 
form is necessary in this section.
    The NTSB notes A4A commented on Sec.  831.12, by suggesting the 
NTSB change Sec.  831.12 to allow remote read-outs of digital flight 
data recorders and cockpit voice recorders, to preclude the need for 
transporting the recorders to NTSB Headquarters in Washington, DC A4A 
also recommended the NTSB ``establish a firm deadline for returning 
[recorders] to the [air] carrier.'' The NTSB appreciates A4A's 
comments. The

[[Page 47071]]

NTSB is aware of the advances in technology allowing the downloading of 
data to occur remotely as an aircraft pulls into the gate at its 
destination or otherwise. However, the NTSB believes this concern, 
while relevant to its investigations, is not appropriate for inclusion 
in 831.12 but rather will be considered as the agency reviews its 
policies and procedures regarding recorder data.
    As to A4A's comment concerning deadlines for the return of 
recorders to air carriers, the NTSB returns recorders to air carriers 
once it completes the necessary work involving the recorder, and it 
abides by strict internal protocols to secure the recorder. The NTSB 
also endeavors to complete data downloading for recorders as quickly as 
possible. The NTSB declines to propose any changes to Sec.  831.12 
concerning the return of recorders because the requirements of each 
investigation will vary. The NTSB has noted A4A's comment, however, and 
may update its handbooks concerning recorders if the NTSB determines 
the establishment of a deadline would be possible.\8\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \8\ NTSB Cockpit Voice Recorder Handbook (November 2001), 
available at http://www.ntsb.gov/doclib/manuals/CVR_Handbook.pdf; 
NTSB Flight Data Recorder Handbook (December 2002), available at 
http://www.ntsb.gov/doclib/manuals/FDR_Handbook.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Section 831.13 Flow and Dissemination of Investigative Information
    As with several other sections in part 831, the NTSB proposes 
organizing Sec.  831.13 into more paragraphs, and providing titles to 
each paragraph, to ensure the public can understand Sec.  831.13 more 
easily. In paragraph (a), the NTSB proposes removing the reference to a 
``field investigation,'' because that term is not defined in the NTSB's 
regulations, and the NTSB believes the phrase ``at the site of the 
event'' adequately conveys the intent.
    Also in paragraph (a), the NTSB believes it is prudent to state 
clearly that Sec.  831.13 applies from the time an investigation 
commences until the NTSB concludes its investigation. Parties who are 
uncertain as to whether the NTSB has concluded a particular 
investigation may inquire of the IIC. This temporal description results 
from parties' requests in some investigations to release information 
for purposes of civil litigation. In its responses to such requests, 
the NTSB notes it interprets this prohibition on disclosing information 
as only relevant to information obtained during the course of the 
investigation. In addition, A4A, in its comment, suggested: ``[t]he 
NTSB should examine whether a definition of `information concerning an 
accident' that may not be released by a party would avoid 
misunderstandings about the scope of that term.'' The NTSB agrees with 
this comment in principle, but notes it is difficult to provide an 
exhaustive list of the type of information that might be pertinent to 
every investigation. However, the NTSB believes the proposed 
description in paragraph (a) offers a better definition of the intent 
of the phrase, ``information concerning the investigation.''
    The NTSB proposes keeping the text in the existing version of Sec.  
831.13(b), but codifying the paragraph as Sec.  831.13(c) and adding 
the title, ``[p]rohibition on release of information.'' The NTSB has 
referenced this provision in several instances since the promulgation 
of this regulation, and believes it is critical to NTSB investigations. 
Preliminary releases of information when an investigation is ongoing 
could result in the release of incorrect or incomplete information, 
which would impede the progress of an investigation and erode public 
confidence in the credibility of the investigation.
    The A4A comment also suggested the NTSB allow parties to release 
information in certain circumstances. In particular, A4A suggested the 
NTSB provide some flexibility concerning the prohibition on release of 
information. A4A states as follows:

[T]he NTSB should consider specifically allowing ``information 
concerning an accident'' to be shared by a party to the extent 
reasonably necessary to:
[ssquf] Locate, review and evaluate information that may be related 
to the accident or requested by the NTSB (providing the NTSB with 
information ``relevant to an accident'' can only be most effectively 
accomplished if the party can freely search for and evaluate such 
information within its organization);
[ssquf] prepare witnesses; or
[ssquf] share critical safety information within its organization.

    In subsequent discussions between NTSB staff and the A4A Safety 
Committee representatives,\9\ some members of the committee expanded on 
these comments, indicating it would also be helpful to include language 
better defining the scope of information that may be shared with 
frontline employees, such as pilots, during an NTSB investigation.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \9\ The NTSB sought additional information from A4A concerning 
their August 24, 2012 comment. Representatives from the A4A Safety 
Committee met with the NTSB Deputy Director of Aviation Safety on 
December 4, 2012, and discussed the items outlined in their comment. 
The docket for this rulemaking includes a memorandum containing a 
detailed description of all items discussed at the December 4 
meeting. This memorandum is available as Document Number NTSB-GC-
2012-0002-0007 in the docket for this rulemaking on the 
Regulations.gov Web site at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=NTSB-GC-2012-0002-0007.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    After careful consideration of these comments as well as other 
factors, the NTSB proposes text for paragraph (c) that provides for the 
release of investigative information provided certain conditions are 
met. The proposed language will allow parties to release information 
within party organizations as needed to implement prevention, remedial 
action, or as otherwise noted by the NTSB (e.g., in a safety bulletin 
to employees), in accordance with certain criteria. As a general 
matter, in the absence of the IIC's restrictions, the proposed 
communication may only be provided to those in the organization who 
have decision-making authority or a need to know the information. 
However, the NTSB recognizes the decision-makers may believe a need for 
a wider dissemination within the party organization or to customers 
exists to implement safety measures. For such dissemination, the 
proposed document or communication containing the information must be 
provided to the IIC in a timely manner prior to the planned 
dissemination. The time should allow the IIC to set forth case-specific 
conditions or correct inaccuracies. A party should expect the IIC will 
generally need more time to review if the communication is intended to 
be distributed throughout a party organization; in all cases, the NTSB 
will make a concerted effort to review the information and respond to 
the request to disseminate it as efficiently as possible. The NTSB 
promotes the timely dissemination of factual information concerning the 
investigation within party organizations for the limited purposes of 
assessing the need for corrective actions and developing measures to 
implement such actions. Such releases function to prevent recurrence of 
transportation events, and may assist the NTSB in formulating necessary 
requests for additional information.
    Likewise, party participants must inform the NTSB IIC regarding the 
party organization's findings and planned actions resulting from any 
dissemination of investigative information within their organization.
    In addition, in furtherance of the ultimate goal of making timely 
safety improvements, the NTSB would permit parties to share information 
gathered by the NTSB in the course of its investigation outside of 
their organizations, provided the parties

[[Page 47072]]

fulfill certain criteria. First, the party must share the information 
with the IIC in a timely manner to receive approval of the IIC before 
the release is to occur.
    In such cases, the IIC would evaluate how the dissemination of the 
information would improve safety, and would seek to take precautions to 
ensure the release of information would not impede the investigation. 
This evaluation process prior to the dissemination of investigative 
information allows the NTSB to appropriately balance the investigative 
needs and the potential safety improvements. This process also allows 
the NTSB and the party to work together to achieve the objective of 
improving safety in a timely manner. For example, the NTSB understands 
manufacturers may seek to take immediate action to improve the safety 
of their vehicles, equipment, or other materials, and the NTSB 
certainly shares this goal. Such action may include alerting customers 
of a safety concern with the product. Therefore, the NTSB believes 
providing additional clarity in Sec.  831.13 will benefit investigative 
parties in all transportation modes.
    The NTSB further notes, however, no investigative information shall 
be disseminated by party participants to any individual within their 
party's organization or otherwise for purposes of litigation 
preparation or media interests without the IIC's advance approval. In 
this regard, the IIC's litmus test for whether to approve dissemination 
of any investigative information during the course of an ongoing 
investigation will be the purpose of the sharing of information. As 
indicated above, IICs will generally approve sharing of information 
within a party organization for purposes of making safety improvements.
    With regard to the use of information concerning the investigation 
for the purposes of preparing witnesses, the NTSB is not in favor of 
this proposal, as advance access to such information by witnesses may 
affect their truthful testimony to the NTSB or otherwise compromise the 
integrity of the investigation. However, the NTSB invites commenters to 
propose examples and scenarios in which such use of information 
concerning the investigation could benefit the investigation.
    Furthermore, as discussed below, the NTSB recognizes the role of 
other Federal agencies in conducting investigations for purposes of 
enforcement of regulations. Such investigations often require obtaining 
information in an expeditious manner. The NTSB does not prohibit 
parties from sharing necessary information with another Federal agency 
in response to the agency's demand. However, the NTSB IIC should be 
informed of the provision of records and information, and should not be 
excluded from communications concerning the existence of records or 
information relevant to the investigation. To the greatest extent 
possible, the NTSB will work with other agencies to share information 
obtained in the course of the NTSB investigation to minimize 
duplicative requests to NTSB parties for information.
    Concerning paragraph (b)(5), the NTSB notes it has chosen to 
reference specifically the statutory descriptions of cockpit voice 
recorder and surface vehicle recorder recordings, codified at 49 U.S.C. 
1114(c) and (d). The NTSB recognizes Sec.  1114(c) describes ``cockpit 
voice recorder'' respectively, as follows: ``[t]he Board may not 
disclose publicly any part of a cockpit voice or video recorder 
recording or transcript of oral communications by and between flight 
crew members and ground stations related to an accident or incident 
investigated by the Board [until the time of the investigative hearing 
or the time a majority of the other factual reports on the accident or 
incident are placed in the public docket] \10\ ''; similarly, Sec.  
1114(d) prohibits the NTSB from disclosing publicly ``any part of a 
surface vehicle voice or video recorder recording or transcript of oral 
communications by or among drivers, train employees, or other operating 
employees responsible for the movement and direction of the vehicle or 
vessel, or between such operating employees and company communication 
centers, related to an accident investigated by the Board [until the 
time of the investigative hearing or the time a majority of the other 
factual reports on the accident or incident are placed in the public 
docket].'' The NTSB consistently applies these provisions and exercises 
care in making any release determinations concerning voice or vehicle 
recordings.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \10\ Sections 1114(c) and (d), however, allow for release of the 
recording transcript. Section 1114 is available to the public at 
http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/USCODE-2009-title49/pdf/USCODE-2009-title49-subtitleII-chap11-subchapII-sec1114.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In addition, the NTSB notes it is attentive to the needs of victims 
and victims' family members. The NTSB's Transportation Disaster 
Assistance Division provides information to families in accordance with 
49 U.S.C. 1136 and 1138. The NTSB also extends the practice of 
providing information to family members concerning transportation 
events not specifically covered under 49 U.S.C. 1136 and 1138. During 
each investigation, the NTSB informs family members and survivors they 
may contact the Division at any time to inquire about the status of an 
investigation or other matters regarding the investigation. In 
responding to such inquiries, the NTSB remains mindful of the 
provisions and requirements in part 801 of this chapter, concerning the 
public release of information, as well as Sec.  831.11 of this part, 
which states the role of party participants is to provide necessary 
technical expertise, and gather and review factual information. These 
regulations serve to protect ongoing investigations while allowing 
family members and survivors direct contact with NTSB employees who 
will respond to their inquiries and provide them with information in 
the timeliest manner possible.
Section 831.14 Proposed Findings
    In Sec.  831.14, titled ``[p]roposed findings,'' the NTSB does not 
propose any substantive changes, but only proposes changing the word 
``Board'' to ``NTSB'' in paragraph (a).
    As summarized above, A4A submitted a comment requesting the NTSB 
add to Sec.  831.14 a statement that the NTSB will provide a copy of 
the NTSB draft final report, including analytical conclusions but not 
necessarily probable cause and recommendations, to parties for review 
prior to a Board meeting, when the Board schedules a meeting on an 
investigation. A4A's comment cites the recommended standards and 
practices of ICAO, as countries who conduct aviation accident and 
incident investigations in accordance with these recommended standards 
and practices release draft reports to accredited representatives (who 
often seek the input of their technical advisers) in foreign aircraft 
investigations.
    While the NTSB does not propose amending Sec.  831.14 pursuant to 
A4A's comment concerning the sharing of draft reports, the NTSB is 
considering adopting a practice of sharing draft reports with parties 
in some modes. The NTSB plans to address this issue outside the purview 
of this NPRM. If the NTSB determines to engage in such sharing, it will 
ensure party representatives receive timely notification of the NTSB's 
plans.
Reorganization of Part 831
    As described above, the NTSB has determined organizing part 831 
into mode-specific subparts would be helpful to NTSB investigators, 
party participants, and the public. Therefore, it is proposing new 
subparts B, C, D and E, respectively. The NTSB proposes

[[Page 47073]]

moving the portions referencing mode-specific responsibilities, such as 
the existing version of Sec.  831.2(a), which is titled ``Aviation'' 
and contains three lengthy paragraphs, to various sections within the 
proposed new subpart B. Similarly, the NTSB proposes dividing and 
relocating portions of the existing version of Sec.  831.2(b), titled 
``Surface,'' which currently states the NTSB is responsible for the 
investigation of railroad and pipeline accidents in which a fatality or 
in which substantial property damage has occurred, or which involve a 
passenger train. The regulation includes a reference to 49 CFR part 
840. In addition, the regulation states the NTSB is responsible for 
major marine casualties and marine accidents involving a public and 
non-public vessel, or involving Coast Guard functions (under 49 CFR 
part 850). Regarding highway accidents, the regulation states the NTSB 
is responsible for accidents involving railroad grade-crossing events, 
the investigation of which is selected in cooperation with the States.
    49 CFR 831.2(b) (footnote omitted). The NTSB proposes moving each 
mode-specific listing in paragraph (b) to its mode-specific subpart.

Subpart B: Aviation Investigations

    The NTSB proposes the addition of a new subpart titled ``Aviation 
Investigations,'' composed of four sections mostly derived from 
existing text within part 831.
Section 831.20 Responsibility of NTSB in Aviation Investigations
    The NTSB proposes adding Sec.  831.20, titled ``[r]esponsibility of 
NTSB in aviation investigations,'' to include the same text in the 
current version of Sec.  831.2(a).
Section 831.21 Authority of NTSB Representatives in Aviation 
Investigations
    In addition, the NTSB proposes adding Sec.  831.21 titled, 
``[a]uthority of NTSB representatives in aviation investigations.'' The 
NTSB proposes including the aviation-specific text in current Sec.  
831.9(b) as the text for proposed Sec.  831.21, to state NTSB employees 
possess the authority to examine and test any civil or public aircraft, 
as well as aircraft engines, propellers, appliances, equipment or any 
other property aboard the aircraft involved in an accident or incident.
    As noted in the discussion concerning Sec.  831.9, above, this 
proposed language is from the NTSB's enabling statute, which 
specifically provides the NTSB with authority to examine and test 
evidence related to an aviation accident.\11\ The NTSB believes 
including this in Subpart B, as an aviation-specific authorization, is 
the best manner in which to organize part 831. The NTSB has not 
suggested substantive changes to this language, but only replaces 
``[t]he Board,'' with ``[a]ny employee of the NTSB,'' to maintain 
consistent terminology throughout the NTSB's regulations.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \11\ 49 U.S.C. 1134.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Section 831.22 Other Government Agencies and NTSB Aviation 
Investigations
    The NTSB also proposes adding Sec.  831.22, titled ``Other 
Government agencies and NTSB aviation investigations.'' The NTSB 
proposes moving part of the text of Sec.  831.11(a)(4) to Sec.  
831.22(a). In addition, the NTSB proposes re-codifying the current 
version of Sec.  831.2(a)(2) as paragraph (b) in Sec.  831.22, with no 
substantive changes.
    The NTSB continues to utilize the FAA's assistance in certain 
investigations, particularly general aviation investigations, in which 
the FAA arrives at the site of the accident or incident and collects 
information. The FAA then provides the information to the NTSB, which 
reviews and analyzes it, and either follows through with the 
investigation to complete a probable cause finding, or determines the 
information indicates the event may be closed by placing a memorandum 
on file. The NTSB plans to continue this procedure; therefore, the NTSB 
does not suggest substantive edits to this paragraph.
    The NTSB proposes codifying the footnote within Sec.  831.2(a)(2) 
as paragraph (c) in Sec.  831.22, to state FAA representatives have the 
same authority as NTSB investigators when conducting activities on 
behalf of the NTSB.
    In providing on-scene assistance to the NTSB for certain 
investigations, the NTSB will consider the FAA an ``authorized 
representative.'' Section 831.9, as proposed herein, states that any 
authorized representative of the NTSB may enter property or wreckage; 
inspect, photograph, or copy records or information; and question any 
person who has knowledge of the accident or incident. The NTSB will 
request the FAA complete such work on the NTSB's behalf. Therefore, the 
NTSB believes including this language concerning the authority of FAA 
employees during investigations as paragraph (c) is appropriate.
    The NTSB proposes adding paragraph (d) to Sec.  831.22, to state 
the NTSB may exercise its discretion to make available a public docket 
with information from investigations in which the FAA has conducted the 
fact-finding, as described in paragraphs (b) and (c) of Sec.  831.22.
    The NTSB proposes this paragraph because it may opt to conclude an 
incident investigation only after reviewing information obtained from 
the FAA, and, as described above, may determine a probable cause 
finding is not necessary in some cases. Nevertheless, the NTSB may, in 
the interest of transparency, place the records from such 
investigations in a public docket.
    The NTSB values the FAA's assistance with NTSB investigations. 
Representatives of the NTSB met with FAA personnel on January 6, 2014, 
to discuss the sharing of information during accident and incident 
investigations, as well as the overall oversight and conduct of 
investigations. This meeting helped the NTSB to better understand the 
FAA's concerns. The NTSB and FAA reached a consensus that the NTSB will 
be aware of all FAA requests for information made to other parties. The 
FAA should ensure the NTSB receives information the FAA has requested 
from a party, for any purpose. This expectation is consistent with 
Congress's direction for the NTSB to maintain priority over each 
investigation. 49 U.S.C. 1131(a)(2)(A).
Section 831.23 International Aviation Investigations
    The NTSB proposes adding Sec.  831.23, titled ``International 
Aviation Investigations,'' to include most of the language from Sec.  
831.2(a)(2), which describes the NTSB's role in international aviation 
investigations. In particular, the NTSB proposes text for Sec.  831.23 
directly derived from Sec.  831.2(a)(2); however, the NTSB proposes 
breaking the text into three distinct paragraphs. The NTSB believes 
such organization will aid in the ability to read and easily reference 
the description of the NTSB's role in foreign investigations.
    In proposing to keep the reference to Annex 13 to the Convention on 
International Civil Aviation (the Chicago Convention) in the text of 
the regulation, the NTSB notes it will observe the recommended 
standards and practices ICAO issues, to the extent practicable. Such 
recommendations include releasing draft reports concerning accidents 
and incidents to accredited representatives, and permitting the 
representatives' subsequent sharing of these reports with their 
technical advisers. As noted above within the discussion concerning 
Sec.  831.14 of this part, this practice differs

[[Page 47074]]

from domestic investigations. However, in the interest of ensuring 
consistency with other countries' investigative practices in 
international investigations, and in observation of ICAO's recommended 
standards and practices, NTSB investigators-in-charge will release 
draft reports to accredited representatives.
    Also, the NTSB proposes adding a new provision concerning advisers 
(also ``technical advisers'') in foreign investigations. When an NTSB 
investigator is designated as an accredited representative (the ``U.S. 
accredited representative'') under Annex 13, the U.S. accredited 
representative may appoint technical advisers to provide information 
and assist with the investigation. Similar to ``parties'' in domestic 
investigations, these technical advisers work under the supervision of 
the U.S. accredited representative. The NTSB believes it is beneficial 
to include a paragraph in Sec.  831.23 describing this relationship.
    The NTSB has encountered situations concerning foreign 
investigations in which technical advisers have not communicated with 
the U.S. accredited representative or the foreign investigator-in-
charge, as per Annex 13. The NTSB believes including language these in 
Sec.  831.23(c) will clearly describe the relationships Annex 13 
contemplates between technical advisers, NTSB-designated U.S. 
accredited representatives, and foreign IICs. As a result, the NTSB 
anticipates technical advisers will exercise care in fulfilling their 
duties in assisting with the investigation, and in communicating about 
the investigation.
    In addition, concerning the release of information in international 
investigations, the NTSB remains mindful of 49 U.S.C. 1114(f), which 
provides the NTSB will not release information concerning an 
international investigation until either the investigating country 
releases its report on the investigation, or two years have passed 
since the occurrence of the accident or incident. Based on this 
statutory requirement, technical advisers, who work at the direction of 
the NTSB, should not release information about the investigation unless 
the foreign IIC approves such release, the investigating country has 
made the investigation report publicly available, or two years have 
passed since the event. Based on this proscription, the NTSB believes a 
reference to Sec.  831.13 in this section is beneficial.
    The NTSB proposes including paragraph (d) in Sec.  831.23, to 
include the text of the final sentence in the current version of Sec.  
831.2(a)(3).
    The only change the NTSB proposes in this text is to shorten the 
reference to Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation, Annex 13 to 
the Convention on International Civil Aviation, to ``Annex 13.''
    The NTSB also proposes adding a new paragraph (e), to Sec.  831.23, 
to clarify the NTSB has the authority to subpoena records or other 
evidence in furtherance of a foreign investigation. In this regard, the 
NTSB interprets the provisions of Sec.  831.9, discussed above, to 
apply to foreign investigations. Paragraph (e) would consist of the 
following text: ``The NTSB may issue a subpoena for records or other 
necessary evidence during the course of a foreign investigation, in 
accordance with the provisions of Sec.  831.9 of this part.''

Subpart C: Highway Investigations

    The NTSB proposes adding subpart C, titled ``Highway 
Investigations,'' to part 831. Within this new subpart, the NTSB 
proposes two sections, titled ``[r]esponsibility of NTSB in highway 
investigations,'' and ``[a]uthority of NTSB representatives in highway 
investigations.'' Neither of these sections consist of new text, but 
are derivations of the current language in Sec. Sec.  831.2 and 831.9, 
respectively.
Section 831.30 Responsibility of NTSB in Highway Investigations
    Regarding proposed Sec.  831.30 describing the responsibility of 
the NTSB in highway investigations, the NTSB would retain portions of 
the text in the current version of Sec.  831.2(b).
Section 831.31 Authority of NTSB Representatives in Highway 
Investigations
    The NTSB proposes adding Sec.  831.31 to describe the authority of 
NTSB representatives, some of which is set forth in the current version 
of Sec.  831.9.
    As proposed, Sec.  831.9 includes several provisions concerning the 
NTSB's authority. However, the NTSB believes it would be helpful to 
include the statements of authority proposed in Sec.  831.31, to ensure 
the highway-specific authorities are easy to locate.
    This description of the NTSB's responsibility, from Sec.  831.2, is 
derived from the NTSB's enabling statute, at 49 U.S.C. 1131(a)(1)(B).

Subpart D: Railroad, Pipeline, and Hazardous Materials Investigations

    The NTSB proposes adding subpart D, titled ``Railroad, Pipeline, 
and Hazardous Materials Investigations,'' to part 831. Within this new 
subpart, the NTSB proposes two sections, which are derivations of the 
current language in Sec. Sec.  831.2 and 831.9, respectively.
Section 831.40 Responsibility of NTSB in Railroad, Pipeline, and 
Hazardous Materials Investigations
    Regarding the section describing the responsibility of the NTSB in 
highway investigations, the NTSB proposes retaining some text specific 
to railroad and pipeline events from Sec.  831.2, under the heading, 
``[r]esponsibility of NTSB in railroad, pipeline, and hazardous 
materials investigations. This description of the NTSB's 
responsibility, from Sec.  831.2(b), is derived from the NTSB's 
enabling statute, at 49 U.S.C. 1131(a)(1)(C) and (D).
    The NTSB also proposes adding paragraph (c) to Sec.  831.40, to 
describe the NTSB's responsibility to investigate certain hazardous 
materials events. Such a description is derived from portions of the 
current version of Sec.  831.2(c). The NTSB proposes the following text 
for Sec.  831.40(c): ``(c) The NTSB is responsible for the 
investigation of accidents, collisions, crashes, derailments, 
explosions, incidents, and ruptures it selects that involve the 
transportation and/or release of hazardous materials.''
    The NTSB believes it will be helpful to distinguish between 
railroad, pipeline, and hazardous materials investigations. Although 
such investigations often have similarities and may possibly involve 
more than one mode of transportation, the NTSB's responsibilities in 
these investigations are distinct.
Section 831.41 Authority of NTSB Representatives in Railroad, Pipeline, 
and Hazardous Materials Investigations
    The NTSB proposes text for new Sec.  831.41, to describe the NTSB's 
authority in railroad, pipeline, and hazardous materials 
investigations; this text is derived from the existing version of Sec.  
831.9.
    Although slightly duplicative of the language in Sec. Sec.  831.21 
and 831.31, the NTSB believes including this section in each subpart 
will be helpful to the public, NTSB investigators, and other parties.

Subpart E: Marine Investigations

    The NTSB proposes adding subpart E, entitled ``Marine 
Investigations,'' to part 831. Within this new subpart, the NTSB 
proposes two sections, entitled ``[r]esponsibility of NTSB in marine 
investigations,'' and ``[a]uthority of NTSB representatives in marine 
investigations.'' Neither of these

[[Page 47075]]

sections consists of new text, but are derivations of current language 
in Sec. Sec.  831.2 and 831.9, respectively.
Section 831.50 Responsibility of NTSB in Marine Investigations
    The NTSB proposes text in Sec.  831.50 stating the NTSB is 
responsible for investigating major marine accidents, allisions, 
casualties, collisions, crashes, and incidents involving a public and 
non-public vessel or involving functions of the United States Coast 
Guard. The proposed text of paragraph (a) within Sec.  831.50 also 
includes a reference to part 850 of this chapter, which addresses 
marine investigations and the relationship the NTSB has with the Coast 
Guard.
    The NTSB also proposes paragraphs (b) and (c) within Sec.  831.50, 
which are derived from the existing version of Sec.  831.2. The NTSB 
proposes organizing these provisions as three distinct paragraphs, set 
forth above, without footnotes. The existing version of Sec.  831.2(b) 
included in a footnote the language about the NTSB's and Coast Guard's 
joint participation in certain marine investigations. The NTSB believes 
this principle is important, and, although described more fully in part 
850, the NTSB believes it will be helpful to reference part 850 in 
paragraph (c) of proposed new Sec.  831.50, and state the NTSB and the 
Coast Guard will jointly conduct some marine investigations.
Section 831.51 Authority of NTSB Representatives in Marine 
Investigations
    Similar to Sec. Sec.  831.21, 831.31, and 831.41, the NTSB also 
proposes text within Sec.  831.51, concerning the authority of NTSB 
representatives in marine investigations.
    The NTSB believes its proposed language, regarding marine 
investigations in which the NTSB is the lead investigative agency, will 
provide clarity to the Coast Guard and other investigative parties. 
This language currently exists in Sec.  831.9; the NTSB only proposes 
moving some of the mode-specific text of Sec.  831.9 to the mode-
specific subparts.
    In this NPRM, the NTSB does not propose changes or additions to 
part 850 of this chapter. However, in retrospectively reviewing all 
NTSB regulations, the NTSB has noted certain updates to part 850 might 
be appropriate. The NTSB will work with the Coast Guard to publish an 
NPRM in the future.
Appendix: Statement of Party Representatives to NTSB Investigation
    Consistent with the existing and proposed text of Sec.  831.11, 
regarding parties to NTSB investigations, the NTSB requires 
participants to sign the Statement of Party Representatives upon 
conferring party status. As described above, the NTSB does not ask 
representatives of Federal agencies to sign the Statement. In this 
NPRM, the NTSB does not propose any substantive changes to the 
Statement, but includes some minor, technical amendments for clarity. 
Concerning other potential changes, the agency is evaluating the need 
for substantive amendments to the Statement. Therefore, the NTSB 
solicits feedback on the Statement. For example, should the statement 
remain general, and incorporate by reference the regulations within 
part 831? Or would including a summary of the regulations of part 831 
within the Statement be helpful? In addition, would expressly 
summarizing the provisions of Sec.  831.13, which prohibits parties 
from disseminating investigative information without IIC approval, be 
helpful? In addition to these considerations, the NTSB welcomes 
comments on all aspects of the current version of the Statement.

IV. Regulatory Analysis

    This rule is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under section 
3(f) of Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review, and does 
not require an assessment of the potential costs and benefits under 
section 6(a)(3) of that Order. As such, the Office of Management and 
Budget has not reviewed this rule under Executive Order 12866. 
Likewise, this rule does not require an analysis under the Unfunded 
Mandates Reform Act, 2 U.S.C. 1501-1571, or the National Environmental 
Policy Act, 42 U.S.C. 4321-4347.
    In addition, the NTSB has considered whether this rule would have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities, 
under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601-612). The NTSB 
certifies under 5 U.S.C. 605(b) that this rule would not have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. 
Moreover, in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 605(b), the NTSB will submit this 
certification to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy at the Small Business 
Administration.
    Moreover, the NTSB does not anticipate this rule will have a 
substantial, direct effect on state or local governments or will 
preempt state law; as such, this rule does not have implications for 
federalism under Executive Order 13132, Federalism. This rule also 
complies with all applicable standards in sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of 
Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform, to minimize litigation, 
eliminate ambiguity, and reduce burden. In addition, the NTSB has 
evaluated this rule under: Executive Order 12630, Governmental Actions 
and Interference with Constitutionally Protected Property Rights; 
Executive Order 13045, Protection of Children from Environmental Health 
Risks and Safety Risks; Executive Order 13175, Consultation and 
Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments; Executive Order 13211, 
Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, 
Distribution, or Use; and the National Technology Transfer and 
Advancement Act, 15 U.S.C. 272 note. The NTSB has concluded that this 
rule does not contravene any of the requirements set forth in these 
Executive Orders or statutes, nor does this rule prompt further 
consideration with regard to such requirements.
    The NTSB invites comments relating to any of the foregoing 
determinations and notes the most helpful comments reference a specific 
portion of the proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, 
and include supporting data.

List of Subjects in 49 CFR part 831

    Aircraft accidents, Aircraft incidents, Aviation safety, Hazardous 
materials transportation, Highway safety, Investigations, Marine 
safety, Pipeline safety, Railroad safety.

    For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the NTSB proposes to 
revise 49 CFR part 831 to read as follows:

PART 831--INVESTIGATION PROCEDURES

Subpart A--General
Sec.
831.1 Applicability of this part.
831.2 Responsibility of NTSB.
831.3 Authority of Directors.
831.4 Nature of investigation.
831.5 Priority of NTSB investigations.
831.6 Request to withhold information.
831.7 Witness interviews.
831.8 Investigator-in-charge.
831.9 Authority of NTSB representatives.
831.10 Autopsies and postmortem testing.
831.11 Parties to the investigation.
831.12 Access to and release of wreckage, records, mail, and cargo.
831.13 Flow and dissemination of investigative information.
831.14 Proposed findings.
Subpart B--Aviation Investigations
831.20 Responsibility of NTSB in aviation investigations.
831.21 Authority of NTSB representatives in aviation investigations.
831.22 Other Government agencies and NTSB aviation investigations.

[[Page 47076]]

831.23 International aviation investigations.
Subpart C--Highway Investigations
831.30 Responsibility of NTSB in highway investigations.
831.31 Authority of NTSB representatives in highway investigations.
Subpart D--Railroad, Pipeline, and Hazardous Materials Investigations
831.40 Responsibility of NTSB in railroad, pipeline, and hazardous 
materials investigations.
831.41 Authority of NTSB representatives in railroad, pipeline, and 
hazardous materials investigations.
Subpart E--Marine Investigations
831.50 Responsibility of NTSB in marine investigations.
831.51 Authority of NTSB representatives in marine investigations.
Appendix to Part 831--Statement of Party Representatives to NTSB 
Investigation.


    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 1113(f).

Subpart A--General


Sec.  831.1  Applicability of this part.

    (a) Unless otherwise specifically ordered by the National 
Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the provisions of this part shall 
govern all NTSB investigations conducted under the authority of 49 
U.S.C. 1101-1155.
    (b) The NTSB will conduct investigations of transportation events 
which include, but are not limited to: Accidents, allisions, 
casualties, collisions, crashes, derailments, explosions, incidents, 
mishaps, ruptures, and other similar events. The provisions of this 
part apply to all NTSB investigations of such events.


Sec.  831.2  Responsibility of the NTSB.

    (a) The provisions of Sec. Sec.  831.20, 831.30, 831.40, and 831.50 
describe the NTSB's responsibility to conduct investigations in each 
mode of transportation.
    (b) The NTSB is also responsible for the investigation of an event 
that occurs in connection with the transportation of people or 
property, which, in the judgment of the NTSB, is catastrophic, involves 
problems of a recurring character, or would otherwise carry out the 
intent of the Independent Safety Board Act of 1974. This authority 
includes, but is not limited to, marine and boating events not covered 
by part 850 of this chapter, and events selected by the NTSB involving 
transportation and/or release of hazardous materials.


Sec.  831.3  Authority of Directors.

    The Directors, Office of Aviation Safety, Office of Highway Safety, 
Office of Railroad, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Investigations, 
and Office of Marine Safety, subject to the provisions of Sec.  831.2 
and part 800 of this chapter, may order an investigation into any 
transportation event.


Sec.  831.4  Nature of investigation.

    (a) General. The NTSB conducts investigations, or causes such 
investigations to be conducted, to determine the facts, conditions, and 
circumstances relating to an event. The NTSB then uses these results to 
determine probable cause and/or ascertain measures that would best tend 
to prevent (or mitigate the effects of) similar events in the future.
    (b) Phases of investigation--(1) Preliminary Investigation. 
Immediately upon learning of an event, the NTSB undertakes a 
preliminary investigation in which it gathers available facts for the 
purposes of assessing the appropriate level of investigative action. If 
the NTSB determines it will not proceed with a formal investigation 
into the event, the appropriate office director may close the 
preliminary investigation and not proceed with a formal investigation.
    (2) Formal Investigation. The NTSB proceeds with a formal 
investigation by gathering facts to determine the probable cause of a 
transportation event.
    (3)(i) The manner in which the NTSB gathers facts for an 
investigation may include an on-scene investigation, where NTSB 
employee(s) visit the site of the event, interview witnesses, conduct 
testing, extract data, gather documentation, or engage in any other 
activities that would assist the NTSB in obtaining all discoverable 
facts relevant to the investigation. The investigation may result in a 
number of products designed to improve transportation safety including 
NTSB conclusions issued in the form of a report or brief of the 
investigation, or other NTSB product, such as a collection of factual 
records, safety recommendation(s), or other safety information.
    (ii) Such investigations are fact-finding proceedings with no 
adverse parties. These proceedings are not subject to the 
Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 504 et seq.), and are not 
conducted for the purpose of determining the rights, liabilities, or 
blame of any person or entity, as they are not adjudicatory 
proceedings.


Sec.  831.5  Priority of NTSB investigations.

    (a) Relationships with other agencies. (1) Any investigation the 
NTSB conducts directly (except major marine investigations conducted 
under 49 U.S.C. 1131(a)(1)(E)) or pursuant to the appendix to part 800 
of this chapter has priority over all other investigations conducted by 
other Federal agencies. However, this section does not apply to the 
role of the United States Attorney General when circumstances 
reasonably indicate that the event may have been caused by an 
intentional criminal act, as described in 49 U.S.C. 1131(a)(2)(B) and 
1131(a)(2)(C).
    (2) The NTSB shall provide for appropriate participation by other 
Federal agencies in any such investigation, except such agencies may 
not participate in the NTSB's probable cause determination.
    (3) The NTSB investigation has first right to access wreckage, 
information, and resources it deems pertinent to its investigation. As 
described in Sec.  831.9(c) of this part, the NTSB has exclusive 
authority to decide when, and the manner in which, testing, extraction 
of data, and examination of evidence will occur.
    (4) The NTSB may take possession of records or information 
(including data) related to determining the probable cause, if the NTSB 
determines such possession is necessary to its investigation.
    (5) The NTSB and Federal, state, and local agencies shall assure 
that appropriate information obtained or developed in the course of 
their investigations is exchanged in a timely manner.
    (i) Nothing in this section prohibits the NTSB from sharing 
information with other agencies.
    (ii) The NTSB is not a first responder agency, but recognizes the 
role of incident management systems and the role of unified command 
systems.
    (b) Enforcement investigations by other agencies. (1) While an NTSB 
investigation is underway, other Federal agencies may conduct 
activities under applicable provisions of law related to their 
enforcement responsibilities. In conducting such activities, other 
agencies may obtain information directly from parties involved in, and 
witnesses to, the transportation event, provided they do so after 
coordinating with the NTSB investigator-in-charge (IIC) and without 
interfering with the NTSB's investigation. Such Federal activities will 
not influence the NTSB's investigations.
    (2) The NTSB cooperates with state and/or local agencies that 
conduct activities for the purposes of enforcement of a state statute 
or regulation. Such state activities shall not influence the NTSB's 
investigations.
    (3) Except as described in Sec.  831.31 of this chapter, which 
applies to highway investigations, Federal agencies shall provide the 
results of their investigations to the NTSB when such investigations 
are for purposes of

[[Page 47077]]

remedial action or safety improvement. In general, this requirement 
will not apply to enforcement records or enforcement investigation 
results.


Sec.  831.6  Request to withhold information.

    (a) Trade Secrets Act. This section applies to domestic matters. 
Information the NTSB receives concerning international aviation events 
is addressed in Sec.  821.23 of this part.
    (1) General. The Trade Secrets Act provides criminal penalties for 
unauthorized government disclosure of trade secrets and other specified 
confidential commercial information. The Freedom of Information Act 
authorizes withholding such information; however, the Independent 
Safety Board Act, at 49 U.S.C. 1114(b), states the NTSB may, under 
certain circumstances, disclose information related to trade secrets.
    (2) Procedures. Information submitted to the NTSB that the 
submitter believes qualifies as a trade secret or confidential 
commercial information subject either to the Trade Secrets Act 
(codified at 18 U.S.C. 1905) or FOIA Exemption 4 (codified at 5 U.S.C. 
552(b)(4)) shall be so identified by the submitter on each and every 
page that contains such information. The NTSB shall give the submitter 
of any information so identified, or information the NTSB has 
substantial reason to believe qualifies as a trade secret or 
confidential commercial information subject either to the Trade Secrets 
Act or FOIA Exemption 4, the opportunity to comment on any contemplated 
disclosure, pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 1114(b). In all instances in which 
the NTSB decides to disclose such information pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 
1114(b) and/or 5 U.S.C. 552, the NTSB will provide at least 10 days' 
notice to the submitter. Notice may not be provided the submitter when 
disclosure is required by a law other than FOIA if the information is 
not identified by the submitter as qualifying for withholding, as is 
required by this paragraph, unless the NTSB has substantial reason to 
believe disclosure would result in competitive harm.
    (b) Voluntarily-provided safety information. (1) In general, the 
NTSB will not disclose commercial, safety-related information provided 
voluntarily and not related to exercise of the NTSB's investigation 
authority, if the NTSB determines disclosure of the information would 
inhibit the voluntary provision of that type of information.
    (2) Reference to voluntarily-provided safety information for the 
purposes of safety recommendations will be undertaken with 
consideration for its confidential nature. The NTSB will de-identify 
all such safety information to the greatest extent possible.
    (c) Other. Any person may make written objection to the public 
disclosure of any other information contained in any report or document 
filed, or otherwise obtained by the NTSB, stating the grounds for such 
objection. The NTSB, on its own initiative or if such objection is 
made, may order such information withheld from public disclosure when, 
in its judgment, the information may be withheld under the provisions 
of an exemption to the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552, see 
part 801 of this chapter), and its release is found not to be in the 
public interest.


Sec.  831.7  Witness interviews.

    (a) Any person interviewed by an NTSB employee or investigator who 
is working on behalf of the NTSB during the investigation (hereinafter, 
``investigator''), regardless of the form of the interview (sworn, 
unsworn, transcribed, not transcribed, etc.), has the right to be 
accompanied by no more than one attorney or non-attorney representative 
of his or her choosing. The role of this representative is to provide 
support and counsel as requested by the witness and not to supplement 
the witness's testimony or represent the interests of other 
affiliations of the witness during the interview.
    (b)(1) The investigator conducting the interview shall take all 
necessary action to ensure the witness's representative acts in 
accordance with the role described in paragraph (a) of this section 
during the interview, to prevent conduct that may be disruptive to the 
interview.
    (2) If the witness's representative engages in disruptive conduct, 
the investigator conducting the interview may take action, as the 
circumstances warrant, including exclusion of the witness's 
representative from the interview.
    (c) The NTSB will release transcripts or summaries of witness 
interviews in the NTSB public docket for the investigation, as defined 
at Sec.  801.3(c) of this chapter. The NTSB will release names of 
witnesses and their representatives in investigative documents or other 
records in the NTSB public docket, unless the NTSB determines unusual 
or compelling circumstances exist to preclude disclosure.


Sec.  831.8  Investigator-in-charge.

    (a) In addition to the authority stated in Sec.  800.27 of this 
chapter, the investigator-in-charge (IIC) designated for an 
investigation has the responsibilities listed below.
    (1) The IIC organizes, conducts, controls, and manages the field 
phase of the investigation, regardless of whether a Board Member is 
also on-scene.
    (2) The IIC has the responsibility and authority to supervise and 
coordinate all resources and activities of all personnel, both NTSB and 
non-NTSB, involved in the on-site investigation.
    (3) The IIC continues to have organizational and management 
responsibilities throughout later phases of the investigation, up to 
and including consideration and adoption of a report or brief of 
probable cause(s).
    (b) The role of a Board Member at the scene of an investigation is 
as the official spokesperson for the NTSB.


Sec.  831.9  Authority of NTSB representatives.

    (a) General authority. To carry out its statutory responsibilities, 
the NTSB is authorized to conduct hearings, administer oaths, and 
require, by subpoena or otherwise, necessary witnesses and evidence.
    (1) Any authorized representative of the NTSB may enter any 
property where an event subject to the NTSB's jurisdiction has 
occurred, or wreckage from any such event is located, and do all things 
considered necessary for proper investigation.
    (2) Any authorized representative of the NTSB may inspect, 
photograph, or copy any records or information (including files, 
medical records pursuant to paragraph (b)(2) of this section, and 
correspondence then or thereafter existing) for the purpose of 
conducting an investigation.
    (3) Authorized representatives of the NTSB may question any person 
having knowledge relevant to a transportation event.
    (b) Subpoenas. The NTSB may issue a subpoena, enforceable in 
Federal district court, to obtain necessary testimony or evidence.
    (1) Pursuant to its authority to issue subpoenas, the NTSB shall 
have access to medical records and specimens.
    (2) For purposes of the Health Insurance Portability and 
Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), Public Law 104-191, the NTSB is a 
``public health authority'' as that term is used in the regulations 
promulgated by the Department of Health and Human Services (see 45 CFR 
164.501 or any successor regulation). Consistent with 49 U.S.C. 1101-
1155 and HIPAA, a ``covered entity'' may disclose protected health 
information to the NTSB pursuant to subpoena.

[[Page 47078]]

    (3) The NTSB may issue subpoenas for all other records, data and 
information necessary for an investigation, including but not limited 
to, credit card records and records from portable electronic devices.
    (c) Examination of evidence. (1) Only the NTSB will decide when, 
and in what manner, testing, extraction of data, and examination of 
evidence will occur.
    (2) Authorized representatives acting on behalf of the NTSB have 
authority to decide the means in which any testing or extraction of 
data will be conducted, pursuant to the specific direction of the NTSB. 
The NTSB has exclusive authority to make all pertinent decisions 
related to the testing or extraction of data.


Sec.  831.10  Autopsies and postmortem testing.

    The NTSB is authorized to obtain, with or without reimbursement, a 
copy of the report of autopsy performed by State or local authorities 
on any person who dies as a result of having been involved in a 
transportation event within the jurisdiction of the NTSB. The 
investigator-in-charge (IIC), on behalf of the NTSB, may order an 
autopsy or other postmortem tests of such persons as may be necessary 
for the investigation. The IIC will direct that an autopsy be performed 
only to the extent it will be consistent with the needs of the 
investigation and with provisions of local law protecting religious 
beliefs with respect to autopsies.


Sec.  831.11  Parties to the investigation.

    (a) Participants. (1) The investigator-in-charge designates parties 
to participate in the investigation. Parties shall be limited to those 
persons, government agencies (Federal, state, or local), companies, and 
organizations whose employees, functions, activities, or products were 
involved in the event and who can provide suitable qualified technical 
personnel actively to assist in the investigation. The representatives 
proposed by party organizations to participate in the investigation 
should, to the extent practicable, be personnel who had no direct 
involvement in the event under investigation.
    (2) No entity shall automatically have the right to participate in 
an NTSB investigation as a party. However, the NTSB will provide for 
the participation of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the 
investigation of an aircraft accident when participation is necessary 
to carry out the duties and powers of the FAA.
    (3) Participants in the investigation (i.e., party representatives, 
party coordinators, and/or the larger party organization) shall be 
responsive to the direction of NTSB representatives and may have their 
party status revoked or suspended if they do not comply with their 
assigned duties and instructions, withhold information, or conduct 
themselves in a manner prejudicial to the investigation.
    (4) No party to the investigation shall be represented in any 
aspect of the NTSB investigation by any person who also represents 
claimants or insurers. No party representative may occupy a legal 
position (see Sec.  845.13 of this chapter). Failure to comply with 
these provisions may result in sanctions, including loss of status as a 
party.
    (b) Disclosures. (1) Party representatives' names may be disclosed 
in documents the NTSB places in the public docket for the 
investigation, as defined in Sec.  801.3(c) of this chapter.
    (2) The NTSB may share parties' information considered proprietary 
or confidential with other parties during the course of an 
investigation, but will preserve the confidentiality of the information 
to the greatest extent possible. The NTSB will adhere to the provisions 
of 49 U.S.C. 1114, as described in Sec.  831.6(b)(1) of this part, in 
determining whether to share any such information in order to preserve 
the confidentiality of the information to the greatest extent possible.
    (c) Party agreement. All party representatives shall sign the 
``Statement of Party Representatives to NTSB Investigation'' 
immediately upon accepting party representative status. Failure to sign 
that statement in a timely manner may result in sanctions, including 
loss of party status. Representatives of other Federal agencies are not 
required to sign the Statement, but must adhere to the responsibilities 
and limitations set forth in the agreement. This Statement is set forth 
in the Appendix of this part.
    (d) Party inquiries or reviews. Any party conducting or authorizing 
an inquiry or review of its own processes and procedures as a result of 
a transportation event the NTSB is investigating shall inform the 
investigator-in-charge in a timely manner of the nature of its inquiry 
or review to coordinate such efforts with the NTSB's investigation. 
Further, a party performing such an inquiry or review shall provide the 
IIC with details of findings from this work. Investigations performed 
by other Federal agencies during an NTSB investigation are addressed in 
Sec.  831.5 of this part.


Sec.  831.12  Access to and release of wreckage, records, mail, and 
cargo.

    (a) Only the NTSB's investigation personnel, and persons authorized 
by the investigator-in-charge to participate in any particular 
investigation, examination or testing shall be permitted access to 
wreckage, records, mail, or cargo in the NTSB's custody.
    (b) Wreckage, records, mail, and cargo in the NTSB's custody shall 
be released by an authorized representative of the NTSB when it is 
determined that the NTSB has no further need for such items.


Sec.  831.13  Flow and dissemination of investigative information.

    (a) Information concerning the investigation. (1) This section 
applies to factual information collected or compiled by the NTSB as 
part of its investigation, such as photographs, visual representations 
of factual data, physical evidence at the scene of the event, interview 
statements, wreckage documentation, flight data and cockpit voice 
recorder information, surveillance video, etc., and information 
pertaining to the status or activities conducted as part of the 
investigation, from the time the NTSB commences its investigation until 
the time the NTSB concludes its investigation.
    (2) Release of information at the scene of the event shall be 
limited to factual developments, and shall be made through the Board 
Member present at the scene, the representative of the NTSB's Office of 
Public Affairs, or the investigator-in-charge.
    (3) The NTSB's release of the information described in paragraph 
(a)(1) of this section does not authorize parties to comment publicly 
on the information during the course of the investigation. Any 
disseminations of factual information a party seeks to make must occur 
in accordance with paragraph (c) of this section.
    (b) Provision of information. All information obtained by any 
person or organization during the investigation, as described in 
paragraph (a) of this section, must be provided to the NTSB.
    (c) Release of information. Parties are prohibited from releasing 
information obtained during an investigation at any time prior to the 
NTSB's public release of the information unless the release is 
consistent with all of the following criteria:
    (1) All information shall be provided to the IIC (directly or 
through an NTSB employee) before being provided to any person or 
organization. Consistent with paragraph (c)(2) of this section, parties 
must notify the IIC in a timely manner

[[Page 47079]]

of any intent to disseminate information within their organizations.
    (2) Unless otherwise restricted by the IIC, parties to the 
investigation may release information to officers and other key 
personnel who exercise decision-making authority within their 
respective organizations as necessary for the purposes of prevention or 
remedial action.
    (3)(i) The IIC may choose to approve, in advance, any release of 
information within a party organization for purposes other than 
prevention or remedial action.
    (ii) The IIC may approve any release of information concerning the 
investigation to an organization or person who is not a party to the 
investigation, with the approval of the Chairman, who may delegate this 
authority to the director of the office overseeing the investigation.
    (iii) Documents that provide information concerning the 
investigation, such as written directives or informational updates for 
release to party employees or customers, shall be approved by the IIC 
prior to release.
    (4) Parties shall timely inform the IIC of any planned safety 
improvements that will occur as a result of sharing information from 
the investigation within their organization.
    (5) The release of information pertaining to recordings or 
transcripts from cockpit voice recorder (CVR) or surface vehicle 
recorders, as described in 49 U.S.C. 1114(c)(1) and (d)(1), 
respectively, shall be handled in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 1114(c) and 
(d). Any release of such information prior to the NTSB's release of it 
shall be approved in advance by the IIC, who must coordinate with the 
Chairman and director of the office in which the IIC works.


Sec.  831.14  Proposed findings.

    (a) General. Any person or organization whose employees, functions, 
activities, or products were involved in an event under investigation 
may submit to the NTSB written proposed findings to be drawn from the 
evidence produced during the course of the investigation, a proposed 
probable cause, and/or proposed safety recommendation(s) designed to 
prevent future events.
    (b) Timing of submissions. To be considered, these submissions must 
be received before the matter is announced in the Federal Register for 
consideration at a Board meeting. All written submissions shall be 
presented to staff in advance of the formal scheduling of the meeting. 
This procedure ensures orderly and thorough consideration of all views.
    (c) Exception. This limitation does not apply to safety enforcement 
cases handled pursuant to part 821 of this chapter. Separate ex parte 
rules, at part 821, subpart J, apply to those proceedings.

Subpart B--Aviation Investigations


Sec.  831.20  Responsibility of NTSB in aviation investigations.

    The NTSB is responsible for the organization, conduct, and control 
of all aviation accident investigations, and those incidents subject to 
NTSB investigation (see Sec. Sec.  830.2 and 830.5 of this chapter) 
within the United States, its territories and possessions, where the 
accident or incident involves any civil aircraft or certain public 
aircraft (as specified in Sec.  830.5 of this chapter), including a 
collision involving civil or public aircraft (as specified in Sec.  
830.5) and an aircraft operated by the Armed Forces or an intelligence 
agency. It is also responsible for supporting the investigations of 
certain accidents and incidents that occur outside the United States, 
and which involve civil aircraft and/or certain public aircraft, when 
the accident or incident is not in the territory of another country 
(i.e., in international waters).


Sec.  831.21  Authority of NTSB representatives in aviation 
investigations.

    Any employee of the NTSB, upon presenting appropriate credentials, 
is authorized to examine and test to the extent necessary any civil or 
public aircraft (as specified in Sec.  830.5 of this chapter), aircraft 
engine, propeller, appliance, or property aboard such aircraft involved 
in an accident or incident.


Sec.  831.22  Other Government agencies and NTSB aviation 
investigations.

    (a) Title 49 U.S.C. 1132(c) provides for the participation of the 
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in NTSB aviation investigations, 
and section 1131(a)(2) provides for the appropriate participation by 
other departments, agencies, or instrumentalities of the United States 
Government.
    (1) The FAA and those other Federal entities named as parties to 
the investigation are accorded the same rights and privileges, and are 
subject to the same limitations, as other parties. This includes a 
responsibility to timely share information concerning the NTSB 
investigation that has been developed by the FAA and other Federal 
entities in the exercise of their investigation authority.
    (2) In exercising their authority, the FAA and other Federal 
entities may obtain information directly from parties involved in, and 
witnesses to, the accident or incident, provided they do so after 
coordinating with the NTSB IIC and without interfering with the NTSB's 
investigation.
    (b) Certain investigative activities may be conducted by the FAA, 
pursuant to a ``Request to the Secretary of the Department of 
Transportation to Investigate Certain Aircraft Accidents,'' effective 
February 10, 1977 (the text of the request is contained in the appendix 
to part 800 of this chapter), but the NTSB determines the probable 
cause of such accidents or incidents. Under no circumstances are 
aviation investigations where the FAA has conducted fact-finding on the 
NTSB's behalf to be considered to be joint investigations in the sense 
of sharing responsibility. These investigations remain NTSB 
investigations.
    (c) The authority of a representative of the FAA conducting 
investigative activities on behalf of the NTSB is the same as that of 
an NTSB investigator under this part.
    (d) The NTSB maintains its discretion to open a public docket, as 
defined in Sec.  801.3 of this chapter, with information from 
investigations in which the FAA has conducted the fact-finding, as 
described in paragraph (b) of this section.


Sec.  831.23  International aviation investigations.

    (a) The NTSB is the agency charged with fulfilling the obligations 
of the United States under Annex 13 to the Convention on International 
Civil Aviation, Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation 
(hereinafter, ``Annex 13''), and does so consistent with State 
Department requirements and in coordination with that department. Annex 
13 contains standards and recommended practices for the notification, 
investigation, and reporting of certain accidents and incidents 
involving international civil aviation.
    (b) Pursuant to Annex 13:
    (1) The state of occurrence of the accident or incident is 
responsible for the investigation, when the state is a signatory to 
Annex 13; and
    (2) The NTSB participates in the investigation when the accident or 
incident involves a civil aircraft of a U.S. operator, registry, or 
manufacture, or when the U.S. is the state that designed the civil 
aircraft or parts thereon.
    (c) Technical advisers. When the NTSB has designated an 
investigator to participate in an international

[[Page 47080]]

investigation as an ``accredited representative'' under Annex 13, the 
accredited representative may elect to receive assistance from 
``advisers,'' as defined in Annex 13, ]] 5.24 and 5.24.1.
    (1) Such technical advisers shall work at the direction and under 
the supervision of the NTSB accredited representative.
    (2) The NTSB considers the provisions of Sec.  831.13 of this part 
to apply to U.S. advisers working under the supervision of the U.S. 
accredited representative in international aviation investigations.
    (d) If the accident or incident occurs in a foreign state not bound 
by the provisions of Annex 13, or if the accident or incident involves 
a state aircraft (Annex 13 applies only to civil aircraft), the conduct 
of the investigation shall be in consonance with any agreement entered 
into between the United States and the foreign state.

Subpart C--Highway Investigations


Sec.  831.30  Responsibility of NTSB in highway investigations.

    The NTSB is responsible for the investigation of highway accidents, 
collisions, crashes and explosions, including railroad grade-crossing 
events, the investigation of which is conducted in cooperation with the 
States.


Sec.  831.31  Authority of NTSB representatives in highway 
investigations.

    (a) Any employee of the NTSB, upon presenting appropriate 
credentials, is authorized to test or examine any item, including, but 
not limited to, any vehicle, any part of a vehicle, or the equipment 
and contents therein, when such examination or testing is determined to 
be required for purposes of such investigation.
    (b) Any examination or testing shall be conducted in such a manner 
so as not to interfere with or obstruct to the extent practicable the 
transportation services provided by the owner or operator of such 
vehicle, and shall be conducted in such a manner so as to preserve, to 
the maximum extent feasible, any evidence relating to the 
transportation event, consistent with the needs of the investigation 
and with the cooperation of such owner or operator.
    (c) Any Federal, state, or local agency that conducts an 
investigation of the same highway event the NTSB is investigating shall 
provide the results of their investigations to the NTSB.

Subpart D--Railroad, Pipeline, and Hazardous Materials 
Investigations


Sec.  831.40  Responsibility of NTSB in railroad, pipeline, and 
hazardous materials investigations.

    (a) The NTSB is responsible for the investigation of railroad 
accidents, collisions, crashes, derailments, explosions, incidents, and 
releases in which there is a fatality, substantial property damage, or 
which involve a passenger train, as described in part 840 of this 
chapter.
    (b) The NTSB is responsible for the investigation of pipeline 
accidents, explosions, incidents, and ruptures in which there is a 
fatality, significant injury to the environment, or substantial 
property damage.


Sec.  831.41  Authority of NTSB representatives in railroad, pipeline, 
and hazardous materials investigations.

    (a) Any employee of the NTSB, upon presenting appropriate 
credentials, is authorized to test or examine any rolling stock, track, 
or pipeline component, or any part of any such item (or contents 
therein) when such examination or testing is determined to be required 
for purposes of such investigation.
    (b) Any examination or testing shall be conducted in such a manner 
so as not to obstruct to the extent practicable the transportation 
services provided by the owner or operator of such rolling stock, 
track, signal, rail shop, property, or pipeline component, and shall be 
conducted in such a manner so as to preserve, to the maximum extent 
feasible, any evidence relating to the event, consistent with the needs 
of the investigation and with the cooperation of such owner or 
operator.

Subpart E--Marine Investigations


Sec.  831.50  Responsibility of NTSB in marine investigations.

    (a) The NTSB is responsible for the investigation of major marine 
casualties and marine events (including, but not limited to, allisions, 
abandonments, and accidents) involving a public and non-public vessel 
or involving Coast Guard functions, in accordance with part 850 of this 
chapter.
    (b) The NTSB's responsibility in conducting or participating in 
marine investigations is consistent with investigative procedures 
mutually agreed to by the NTSB Chairman and the Commandant of the Coast 
Guard.
    (c) Part 850 of this chapter governs the conduct of certain 
investigations in which the NTSB and the Coast Guard participate 
jointly.


Sec.  831.51  Authority of NTSB representatives in marine 
investigations.

    (a) Any employee of the NTSB, upon presenting appropriate 
credentials, is authorized to test or examine any vessel or any part of 
any such vessel (or equipment and contents therein), including, but not 
limited to, port facilities, navigational aids, and related records, 
when such examination or testing is determined to be required for 
purposes of such investigation.
    (b) Any examination or testing shall be conducted in such a manner 
so as not to obstruct to the extent practicable the transportation 
services provided by the owner or operator of such vessel, and shall be 
conducted in such a manner so as to preserve, to the maximum extent 
feasible, any evidence relating to the event, consistent with the needs 
of the investigation and with the cooperation of such owner or 
operator.

Appendix to Part 831--Statement of Party Representatives to NTSB 
Investigation.

CERTIFICATION OF PARTY REPRESENTATIVE \1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ In aviation investigations this form may also be referred to 
as ``Statement of Party Representatives to NTSB Investigation.''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    I acknowledge I am participating in the above-referenced accident 
or incident investigation, on behalf of my employer who has been named 
a party to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) safety 
investigation, for the purpose of providing technical assistance to the 
NTSB's evidence documentation and fact-finding activities. I understand 
as a party participant, I and my organization shall be responsive to 
the direction of NTSB personnel and may lose party status for conduct 
that is prejudicial to the investigation or inconsistent with NTSB 
policies or instructions. No information pertaining to the accident, or 
in any manner relevant to the investigation, may be withheld from the 
NTSB by any party or party participant.
    I further acknowledge I have familiarized myself with the attached 
copies of the NTSB Investigation Procedures (49 C.F.R. Part 831) and 
``Information and Guidance for Parties to NTSB Accident and Incident 
Investigations,'' and will comply with all procedures in Part 831. If I 
am the party coordinator for my party, I agree to take all reasonable 
steps to ensure the employees and participants of my organization 
comply with these requirements. This includes, but is not limited to, 
the provisions of 49 C.F.R. Sec. Sec.  831.11 and 831.13, which, 
respectively, specify certain criteria for

[[Page 47081]]

participation in NTSB investigations and limitations on the 
dissemination of investigation information.
    No party coordinator or representative may occupy a legal position 
or be a person who also represents claimants or insurers. I certify my 
participation is not on behalf of either claimants or insurers, and, 
although factual information obtained as a result of participating in 
the NTSB investigation may ultimately be used in litigation (at the 
appropriate time, and in a manner that is not inconsistent with the 
provisions of 49 C.F.R. Sec.  831.13 and 49 U.S.C. Sec.  1154), my 
participation is to assist the NTSB safety investigation and not for 
the purposes of preparing for litigation. I also certify, after the 
NTSB Investigator-in-Charge (IIC) releases the parties and party 
participants from the restrictions on dissemination of investigative 
information specified in 49 C.F.R. Sec.  831.13, neither I nor my 
party's organization will in any way assert in civil litigation arising 
out of the accident any claim of privilege for information or records 
received as a result of my participation in the NTSB investigation.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Signature Date
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Name & Title
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Party Organization/Employer\1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ In aviation investigations this form may also be referred to 
as ``Statement of Party Representatives to NTSB Investigation.''

Christopher A. Hart,
Acting Chairman.
[FR Doc. 2014-18921 Filed 8-11-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7533-01-P