About NTSB Watch

NTSB Watch researches the conclusions and results of certain National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigations. NTSB investigations reviewed are chosen by their impact on society and resources available to NTSB Watch. We thoroughly review all significant findings within these investigations, with emphasis on those that contain discrepancies between the evidence and conclusions.

While most NTSB investigations are routine and rigorously studied, other, more prominent investigations appear to be influenced by outside agencies and/or political pressure. In 1997, for example, the FBI unduly influenced the NTSB investigation into TWA Flight 800. During that investigation, the FBI compelled the NTSB to remove from an NTSB hearing, any consideration of 670 eyewitness accounts--a significant number of which contradicting the government's crash scenario.

And more recently, in 2001, political pressure may have motivated then NTSB Chairwoman Marion Blakey to downplay terrorism as the cause of the American Airlines Flight 587 crash. Blakey did this before any thorough analysis of the physical evidence could be performed and while the media was interviewing multiple witnesses who reported an airborne explosion.

Whether or not Blakey's statement reflected early information, it did calm fears on Wall Street. In an interview with the Associated Press, Alan Ackerman, executive vice president of Fahnestock & Co. said, "We're dealing with a bruised U.S. psyche, whether it is at the consumer level or the investor level. One can only hope that this plane crash had nothing to do with terrorism." And by early afternoon, according the AP, "the market had recovered much of its losses as reports indicated that terrorists were not involved."

Regardless of market effects or public perceptions, the crash of a commercial airliner should be investigated thoroughly, with equal weight given to all possible scenarios. NTSB Watch exists to compel the NTSB to investigate responsibly and scientifically, free from outside pressures, reaching conclusions solidly grounded in fact. By carefully considering all available evidence, the NTSB will be carrying out its federal mandate, while increasing transportation safety for all Americans.

Freedom of Information Act

To aid in researching and understanding crash investigations, NTSB Watch requests data and information from the NTSB and related agencies under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). All information obtained under FOIA will be made publicly available through this website. Our FOIA section contains the status of our present requests and instructions on how to obtain copies of any data, information, and/or media we receive.

Family Member Services

NTSB Watch offers its services to crash victims' family members from crashes we review or have reviewed, free of charge. Services offered include technical consulting, report drafting, and speaking engagements. Family and friends of crash victims should feel free to contact us anytime, for any reason.

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