Sumwalt Backs Independent Thinking

National Transportation Safety Board Vice Chairman Robert Sumwalt says more independent aircraft accident investigation agencies are needed if air safety is to be improved worldwide. The U.S. Safety Board member said recently that although transportation systems generally perform well, when transportation accidents do occur, it is imperative that the traveling public knows that government “is conducting honest, competent, timely, thorough, and unbiased investigations. I believe the way we have achieved that in the United States is by having a truly independent accident investigation agency.” Added Sumwalt: “Our independence is crucial. We call it the way we see it and we don’t pull any punches.” Sumwalt noted that the NTSB only issues safety recommendations, but “the big stick” is that U.S. lawmakers closely monitor the Safety Board’s work. “We all seek credibility, but how do we achieve it? Credibility is built with independence. The point…is this: Low independence equals low credibility; High independence equals high credibility. An independent accident investigation builds trust, credibility, and most importantly, will serve to improve transportation safety,” Sumwalt believes.