NTSB Part 135 Safety Investigation: Key Findings and What to Fix Now
Breaking down the NTSB's AIR-24-03 report and the recommendations that will likely become rules.
Navlyt Editorial Team•Navlyt•Published 2/20/2026•Updated 4/7/2026•11 min read
What the NTSB investigated and why it matters
The NTSB's AIR-24-03 special investigation report analyzed 576 Part 135 accidents over a 12-year period. This is the most comprehensive safety analysis of the Part 135 sector in recent history.
The findings are significant because NTSB recommendations frequently become FAA rules. Operators who act on these findings now will be ahead of the regulatory curve when mandates follow.
The four major findings
Finding 1 — Weight and Balance: Unsafe loading conditions were identified in multiple accidents, particularly in single-engine operations. Five incidents causing 11 fatalities were directly linked to W&B deficiencies.
Finding 2 — Operational Control: Gaps in operational control procedures contributed to accidents where the certificate holder was not exercising adequate authority over flight operations.
Finding 3 — Flight Locating: Deficient flight locating procedures delayed search and rescue in several accidents. Some operators had procedures on paper but no active monitoring.
Finding 4 — Safety Oversight: The report recommended enhanced FAA surveillance and the potential requirement for certificated dispatchers in Part 135 operations.
NTSB recommendations and expected FAA action
The NTSB recommended: mandatory W&B documentation for all Part 135 operations, enhanced flight locating with technology requirements, evaluation of certificated dispatcher requirements for Part 135, and improved FAA surveillance of operational control.
While NTSB recommendations are not immediately binding, the FAA typically acts on them — sometimes through enforcement guidance, sometimes through rulemaking. The timeline varies from months to years.
What operators should do right now
Audit your weight and balance procedures — especially for single-engine operations. Are you using actual weights? Is every flight documented?
Review your flight locating procedures — do you have active monitoring, or just procedures on paper? Consider satellite tracking if you do not already use it.
Verify your operational control documentation — does your GOM clearly define dispatch authority? Can you produce evidence of operational control for every flight?
Track all of these compliance areas in Navlyt Compliance so you have the audit trail ready when the FAA acts on NTSB recommendations.
Navlyt tracks this automatically
Turn recurring compliance work into automated tasks and evidence trails.
Start Free TrialKey takeaways
- 576 Part 135 accidents analyzed over 12 years — the most comprehensive sector review.
- Weight and balance, operational control, and flight locating are the top deficiency areas.
- NTSB recommendations frequently become FAA rules — act now to stay ahead.
- Audit W&B, flight locating, and operational control documentation immediately.
- Single-engine operations face the highest risk for W&B deficiencies.
Author
Navlyt Editorial Team
Navlyt
Written by the Navlyt team. Guides reference the specific regulations they discuss and are general information, not legal or regulatory advice — confirm requirements for your operation with your FSDO or compliance officer.
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FAQ
Are NTSB recommendations mandatory?
No, NTSB recommendations are not legally binding. However, the FAA frequently adopts them into regulation or enforcement guidance. Acting on recommendations proactively is a best practice.
When will the FAA act on the Part 135 recommendations?
Timelines vary. Some recommendations result in immediate enforcement guidance changes, while others require rulemaking that takes years. Operators should not wait for mandates to address identified safety gaps.
Stay ahead of regulatory changes
Stay ahead of regulatory changes and compliance deadlines.
Related posts
Weight and Balance Documentation for Part 135: Requirements After the NTSB Report
Understand Part 135 weight and balance documentation requirements, the NTSB's findings on unsafe loading conditions, and best practices for manifest creation and record retention.
Part 135 Flight Locating: Requirements and Compliance After the NTSB Report
Understand Part 135 flight locating requirements under 14 CFR 135.79, the NTSB's findings, and technology options for compliance.
Part 135 Operational Control: Who Is Responsible and How to Document It
Define operational control under Part 135, understand the FAA's four-part test, clarify certificate holder vs. PIC responsibilities, and document it properly in your GOM.