CoffeeIcePapers
Well-Hung Member
Thanks. That's what I said, but it's nice to have it framed in different wording.
However, as I was looking at material related to this it raised a few questions I wish we had a NASA person to answer. For example, when they say they turn accidents over to the FAA, the follow on question is how do they know if something is an accident. For example I've seen gear up landings that were classified as accidents and I've seen gear up landings that were not classified as accidents. I can imagine any number of scenarios where the determination cannot be made by reading the report. I suspect the answer is that unless it is obviously an accident, and probably a fairly major one at that, the information would not be given to the FAA.
The NTSB defines what an accident is.
Aircraft accident means an occurrence associated with the operation
of an aircraft which takes place between the time any person boards the
aircraft with the intention of flight and all such persons have
disembarked, and in which any person suffers death or serious injury, or
in which the aircraft receives substantial damage.
Serious injury means any injury which: (1) Requires hospitalization
for more than 48 hours, commencing within 7 days from the date of the
injury was received; (2) results in a fracture of any bone (except
simple fractures of fingers, toes, or nose); (3) causes severe
hemorrhages, nerve, muscle, or tendon damage; (4) involves any internal
organ; or (5) involves second- or third-degree burns, or any burns
affecting more than 5 percent of the body surface.
Substantial damage means damage or failure which adversely affects
the structural strength, performance, or flight characteristics of the
aircraft, and which would normally require major repair or replacement
of the affected component. Engine failure or damage limited to an engine
if only one engine fails or is damaged, bent fairings or cowling, dented
skin, small punctured holes in the skin or fabric, ground damage to
rotor or propeller blades, and damage to landing gear, wheels, tires,
flaps, engine accessories, brakes, or wingtips are not considered
``substantial damage'' for the purpose of this part.