FAA Ground School Practice Test

Which incident requires immediate notification to the nearest NTSB field office?

1. Minor damage to the aircraft

2. A flight control system malfunction or failure

3. General turbulence during flight

4. Weather-related incidents

The correct answer is: A flight control system malfunction or failure

The correct response involves understanding the severity and implications of a flight control system malfunction or failure. Such an incident is critical because it directly impacts the safety and controllability of the aircraft. A malfunction in the flight control system can lead to loss of control, making it a serious safety concern for both the crew and passengers onboard, as well as for others in the vicinity. According to FAA regulations, any event that significantly compromises the safety of flight must be reported to the NTSB. This includes scenarios where the function of a vital system, such as flight controls, is impaired or fully fails. Timely notification allows for immediate investigations that can lead to swift corrective actions, not only for the affected aircraft but also potential widespread implications for similar aircraft types. In contrast, incidents such as minor damage to the aircraft, general turbulence, or weather-related issues do not typically require the same level of immediate reporting to the NTSB. While such situations may still be significant for flight safety and operational procedures, they do not imply an immediate danger to the aircraft's ability to fly or maintain control in the same way that a malfunction in the flight control system does. Therefore, options involving less critical situations do not necessitate immediate notification to the NTSB.