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

• A. Flight control system malfunction or failure
• B. Electrical power loss
• C. Low fuel on board
• D. Seat belt issue

Answer: (A)

Immediate notification is required when there is a flight control system malfunction or failure because controls are essential to safely flying the aircraft. A malfunction or loss of control capability directly affects the ability to pilot the glider and can lead to an uncontrolled situation, so it’s treated as an incident that investigators need to know about right away. This helps ensure rapid reporting, investigation, and the identification of safeguards to prevent recurrence.

The other issues listed—electrical power loss, low fuel on board, and a seat belt issue—do not by themselves mandate immediate NTSB field office notification. They may require follow-up actions, maintenance checks, or passenger safety steps, but they aren’t the type of event that, on the spot, triggers immediate NTSB notification.