NTSB Seeks Feedback on New Aviation Accident Database Beta Platform

The National Transportation Safety Board has launched a beta version of its next-generation public search platform, Case Analysis and Reporting Online (CAROL), designed for more intuitive access to accident reports and investigative data. The board is soliciting industry feedback to refine the system, which supports searches by aircraft type, airport, weather conditions and injury levels across all transportation modes.

Enhanced features allow users to query findings on contributing factors such as midair collisions and power-line strikes, addressing pilot requests for faster filtering and review capabilities. While the legacy CAROL system remains accessible, this beta initiative aligns with the NTSB's ongoing Multi-Modal Accident Database Management System to standardize data collection and automate workflows.

Officials emphasize the updates will enable advanced analytics to identify patterns and safety improvements, supporting the agency's open government efforts to provide datasets on Data.gov without requiring Freedom of Information Act requests. Industry stakeholders are encouraged to submit comments during the beta testing phase as the board works to enhance data integrity and resource allocation for future accident investigations.