[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 53 (Thursday, March 19, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 14339-14344]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-06187]


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NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD

49 CFR Part 845

RIN 3147-AA02
[Docket No. NTSB-GC-2012-0002]


Rules of Practice in Transportation: Investigative Hearings; 
Meetings; Reports; and Petitions for Reconsideration

AGENCY: National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

ACTION: Notice of Proposed Rulemaking.

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SUMMARY: The NTSB is proposing to amend provisions within its 
regulations, which contains the NTSB's procedures for holding 
investigative hearings, various types of meetings, issuing reports, and 
responding to petitions for reconsideration. This notice proposes a 
number of substantive and technical changes. In particular, the NTSB 
proposes to reorganize parts of its regulations into different subparts 
to ensure the part is easy to follow.

DATES: Comments must be received by May 18, 2015. Comments received 
after the deadline will be considered to the extent possible.

ADDRESSES: A copy of this NPRM, published in the Federal Register (FR), 
is available for inspection and copying in the NTSB's public reading 
room, located at 490 L'Enfant Plaza SW., Washington, DC 20594-2003. 
Alternatively, a copy is available on the government-wide Web site on 
regulations at http://www.regulations.gov (Docket ID Number NTSB-GC-
2012-0002).
    You may send comments identified by Docket ID Number NTSB-GC-2012-
0002 using any of the following methods:
    Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and 
follow the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
    Mail: Send comments to NTSB Office of General Counsel, 490 L'Enfant 
Plaza SW., Washington, DC 20594-2003.
    Facsimile: Fax comments to 202-314-6090.
    Hand Delivery: Bring comments to 490 L'Enfant Plaza East SW., 6th 
Floor, Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through 
Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For more information on the rulemaking process, see the 
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this document.
    Privacy: We will post all comments we receive, without change, to 
http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information 
provided.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David Tochen, General Counsel, (202) 
314-6080.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    On June 25, 2012, the NTSB published a notice indicating its intent 
to undertake a review of all NTSB regulations to ensure they are 
updated. 77 FR 37865. The NTSB initiated this review in accordance with 
Executive Order 13579, ``Regulation and Independent Regulatory 
Agencies'' (76 FR 41587, July 14, 2011). The purpose of Executive Order 
13579 is to ensure all agencies adhere to the key principles found in 
Executive Order 13563, ``Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review'' 
(76 FR 3821, January 21, 2011), which include promoting public 
participation in rulemaking, improving integration and innovation, 
promoting flexibility and freedom of choice, and ensuring scientific 
integrity during the rulemaking process in order to create a regulatory 
system that protects public health, welfare, safety, and the 
environment while promoting economic growth, innovation, 
competitiveness, and job creation. The NTSB explained in its June 25, 
2012, notice that it is committed to ensuring its regulations remain 
updated and comply with these principles.
    The NTSB's notice concerning its plan for reviewing all NTSB 
regulations indicated the NTSB would specifically conduct a 
comprehensive review of 49 CFR part 831, which describes the NTSB's 
investigative process. The NTSB completed this review and published an 
NPRM proposing various changes to part 831 on August 12, 2014. 79 FR 
47064.
    The NTSB published an additional notice in the Federal Register on 
January 8, 2013, describing the NTSB's plan for updating all 
regulations. 78 FR 1193. In accordance with these two notices published 
in the Federal Register, the NTSB reviewed all sections within 49 CFR 
part 845, in the interest of ensuring they accomplish the objectives 
stated in Executive Order 13563. The NTSB publishes this NPRM in 
accordance with the NTSB's plan.

[[Page 14340]]

II. Description of Changes

    The NTSB proposes reorganizing 49 CFR part 845 and adding two new 
sections to describe Board meetings concerning NTSB products. The 
current version of part 845 consists of three general sections (titled 
``Applicability,'' ``Nature of hearing,'' and ``Sessions open to the 
public'') followed by four subparts (titled ``Initial procedure,'' 
``Conduct of hearing,'' ``Board reports,'' and ``Public record''). The 
NTSB carefully has reviewed part 845 and determined the current format 
could be improved for clarity and ease of understanding. In addition, 
part 845 does not discuss Board meetings concerning investigations and 
NTSB products, even though meetings concerning such topics are a key 
component of the Board's work and provide transparency in agency 
activities and operations. Therefore, the NTSB proposes organizing part 
845 into three subparts, titled ``Investigative hearings,'' 
``Meetings,'' and ``Reports.''
    Subject to a number of proposed changes, this NPRM would maintain 
most of the text from the existing sections addressing investigative 
hearings, which are currently codified at sections 845.2 (``Nature of 
hearing''), 845.3 (``Sessions open to the public''), 845.10 
(``Determination to hold hearing''), 845.11 (``Board of inquiry''), 
845.12 (``Notice of hearing''), 845.13 (``Designation of parties''), 
845.20 (``Powers of chairman of board of inquiry''), 845.21 (``Hearing 
officer''), 845.22 (``Technical panel''), 845.23 (``Prehearing 
conference''), 845.24 (``Right of representation''), 845.25 
(``Examination of witnesses''), 845.26 (``Evidence''), 845.27 
(``Proposed findings''), 845.28 (``Stenographic transcript''), and 
845.29 (``Payment of witnesses''). The NTSB suggests changes to the 
text of these sections, which include changing terminology to describe 
transportation events and substituting ``NTSB'' in place of the term 
``Board,'' unless the term ``Board'' refers to the statutorily 
appointed members of the Board. The NTSB also proposes numbering these 
sections sequentially within the proposed subpart addressing 
investigative hearings.
    In order to ensure the initial sections of part 845 are clear, the 
NTSB proposes removing the term ``formal issues'' from Sec.  845.2, 
which currently states (in part), ``[s]uch hearings are fact-finding 
proceedings with no formal issues and no adverse parties . . .'' The 
term ``formal issues'' is not a legal term of art, and is not defined 
in NTSB regulations. The NTSB does not believe the inclusion of this 
term in Sec.  845.2 is necessary. In addition, the NTSB proposes 
reorganizing the text of Sec.  845.2 to explain the purpose of an 
investigative hearing is to develop further the facts, conditions, and 
circumstances of the transportation event. The NTSB also proposes 
including text stating investigative hearings are not conducted for the 
purpose of determining the rights or liabilities of any person. The 
NTSB proposes this language because, in recent years, witnesses and 
parties who attend investigative hearings have been involved in ongoing 
litigation relating to the subject of a hearing with greater frequency 
or may become involved in litigation. In this section, the NTSB seeks 
to emphasize the purpose of investigative hearings is to obtain 
accurate, complete, and well-documented factual information related to 
NTSB investigations.\1\
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    \1\ Part 845 does not apply to oral arguments before the Board 
under 49 CFR part 821, which governs appeals of aviation certificate 
enforcement actions.
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    In addition, the NTSB proposes removing a sentence from the 
existing version of 845.11 (``Board of inquiry''), which currently 
states, ``[a]ssignment of a Member to serve as the chairman of each 
board of inquiry shall be determined by the Board.'' The NTSB believes 
such assignments are internal agency procedures. As a result, the 
agency does not believe it is necessary to codify a procedure 
specifying how the Board might assign a Member to serve as the chairman 
of each board of inquiry. The NTSB will handle such assignments via 
Board policies.
    As a point of clarification, the NTSB notes it does not suggest 
changes to the text of proposed section Sec.  845.15 (``Payment of 
witnesses''); this text is duplicative of the existing text of Sec.  
845.29. However, the NTSB notes its practice is to pay witnesses who 
would not attend if the agency did not pay the travel expenses 
associated with attendance. In addition, we note the Invitational 
Travel statute, codified at 5 U.S.C. 5703, allows the NTSB to reimburse 
a speaker or witness if the person is providing a direct service to the 
agency for which he or she is not receiving any compensation.
    Regarding the proposed new subpart addressing Board meetings, the 
NTSB proposes two new sections. The first section, to be codified at 
845.20 (``Meetings''), states the Board may hold a meeting when the 
Board determines such a meeting is in the public interest.
    The NTSB also proposes adding Sec.  845.21 (``Symposiums, forums, 
and conferences'') to apply some of the provisions of Sec.  845.20 to 
symposiums, forums, and conferences. The NTSB proposes three paragraphs 
within the new Sec.  845.21, the first of which will provide 
definitions for these three types of proceedings. The NTSB proposes 
adding within paragraph (a) of Sec.  845.21 the statement, ``these 
proceedings are related to transportation safety matters and will be 
convened for the purpose of focusing attention, raising awareness, 
encouraging dialogue, educating the NTSB, or generally advancing or 
developing safety recommendations.'' This proposed version of paragraph 
(a)(2) will also state the ``goals of the proceeding will be clearly 
articulated and outlined, and will be consistent with the mission of 
the NTSB.'' The NTSB also proposes adding paragraph (b) within Sec.  
845.21, to clarify a quorum of the Board is not required to participate 
in symposiums, forums, or conferences.
    Also in paragraph (b), the NTSB proposes adding a statement that 
symposiums, forums, and conferences are not intended to be used as a 
means to obtain evidence or establish facts for a particular NTSB 
investigation. The NTSB expects this language will provide clarity to 
potential participants or people who are interested in attending an 
NTSB symposium, forum, or conference. The proposed language also 
provides the proceedings may have a relationship to previous, ongoing, 
or future investigative activities, the purpose of which is to provide 
supporting and collaborative information, but not to obtain direct 
evidence for a specific investigation.
    Following paragraph (b), the NTSB proposes paragraph (c), which 
simply states participation in a symposium, forum, or conference is 
voluntary. This statement will clarify the NTSB will not issue a 
subpoena for attendance at such proceedings. The paragraphs within 
Sec.  845.21 will function to educate the public and the transportation 
community that the NTSB may hold forums, symposiums, and conferences, 
to fulfill Congress's intent of ensuring NTSB staff and Board Members 
remain educated and adhere to a well-rounded approach for improving 
transportation safety in a variety of ways.
    In the new subpart C of part 845 (``Reports''), the NTSB proposes 
keeping the text of existing Sec. Sec.  845.40 (currently titled 
``Accident report''), 845.41 (``Petitions for reconsideration or 
modification''), 845.50 (``Public dockets''), and 845.51 
(``Investigation to remain open'') largely unchanged, but updating the 
terminology in these sections, and re-codifying them with

[[Page 14341]]

sequential numbers beginning at Sec.  845.30.
    In Sec.  845.30, to be titled, ``Board products,'' the NTSB 
proposes maintaining essentially unchanged within paragraph (a) the 
text currently in Sec.  845.40(a), which describes reports. The NTSB 
proposes adding language to Sec.  845.30(a)(2) pointing out the Board, 
consistent with longstanding agency process and procedure, allows the 
appropriate office director to issue a brief, which will include the 
probable cause and relevant facts, conditions, and circumstances 
concerning the event investigated. The Board has delegated to office 
directors the authority to issue such determinations in 49 CFR 800.25. 
Section 845.30(a)(2), as proposed, includes a description of ``brief'' 
as a document that includes the probable cause and relevant facts, 
conditions, and circumstances. The proposed language includes a 
citation to Sec.  800.25, which provides office directors the authority 
to determine the probable cause by issuing such briefs. In addition, 
the NTSB proposes adding a new paragraph to Sec.  845.30 to describe 
safety recommendations, which the Board may adopt and issue as a stand-
alone Board product outside the context of a specific report or other 
type of Board product.
    The NTSB proposes including the section discussing public dockets 
immediately following the section describing reports and briefs, as 
NTSB public dockets contain information supporting the statements in 
reports and briefs. Within Sec.  845.31, the NTSB proposes only a few 
minor changes, such as including a reference to the definition of 
``public docket'' in Sec.  801.3 of this chapter, and removing the term 
``accident,'' to ensure consistency with the NTSB's Notice of Proposed 
Rulemaking for changes to 49 CFR part 831.\2\ The NTSB also proposes 
updating paragraph (c), which advises the public of how it might access 
material in the public docket. The NTSB places public dockets on its 
Web page at www.ntsb.gov, to allow the public to download them free of 
charge. Therefore, the NTSB proposes adding its Web site link to Sec.  
845.31(c).
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    \2\ 79 FR 47064 (Aug. 12, 2014). The NPRM concerning proposed 
changes to 49 CFR part 831 explained the NTSB's proposal to modify 
its terminology within its regulations by utilizing the term 
``event,'' and, in some sections, other descriptive terms. Id. at 
47065.
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    The NTSB proposes moving the section currently located at 49 CFR 
845.41 (``Petitions for reconsideration or modification'') to Sec.  
845.32. The NTSB also proposes organizing this section with headings 
for each paragraph, to ensure the public and interested parties can 
easily follow it. The first proposed heading will be titled 
``requirements,'' and will state the requirements applicable to 
submissions of petitions for reconsideration or modification currently 
listed in scattered places within Sec.  845.41. Therefore, the 
``requirements'' paragraph (Sec.  845.32(a)) will state only 
individuals or entities having a ``direct interest'' in the 
investigation may submit petitions. The paragraph will also require 
petitions be in writing and be based on the discovery of new evidence 
or a showing the Board's findings were erroneous.
    The NTSB proposes titling the second paragraph as ``acceptance of 
petitions,'' which will include some of the same text as is currently 
located in Sec.  845.41. The NTSB, however, proposes to delete the 
statement the Board will not consider petitions filed by an individual 
or entity who could have submitted proposed findings, as described in 
the current version of Sec.  845.27. Individuals and entities have 
interpreted Sec.  845.41 to mean they cannot submit a petition for 
reconsideration. Under the current text, if the individual or entity 
failed to submit a comment, the individual or entity would ostensibly 
waive the right to petition the Board for reconsideration. However, the 
NTSB is unlikely to prohibit such an individual or entity from later 
filing a petition for reconsideration. As a result, in the proposed 
version of Sec.  845.13, the NTSB removes the statement that it will 
not consider petitions for reconsideration from an individual or entity 
who could have submitted proposed findings.
    The NTSB also proposes retaining the requirement that any 
individual or entity filing a petition for reconsideration or 
modification submit with its petition proof it served the petition on 
all parties to the investigation or investigative hearing. The 
paragraph will also include the deadline of 90 days, within which 
interested individuals or entities may file comments to the petition. 
These provisions within the ``proof of service'' paragraph are 
currently located at 49 CFR 845.41(b) of the NTSB's regulations.
    Lastly, the NTSB proposes titling Sec.  845.32(d) ``oral 
presentation.'' The current version of Sec.  845.41(c) includes the 
same provisions as this new paragraph, but dividing it into two 
portions, the first of which states oral presentation will not normally 
be a part of the proceedings within part 845, and the second of which 
states the Board, upon granting a request for an oral presentation, 
will specify which issues will be addressed at the presentation. The 
NTSB believes dividing this paragraph into two numbered sentences, as 
well as using the term ``party or interested person,'' will provide 
greater clarity.
    The NTSB proposes moving Sec.  845.51 (``Investigation to remain 
open'') to Sec.  845.33. The NTSB plans to retain the title 
``investigation to remain open,'' with the addition of the word 
``event.''

III. Regulatory Analysis

    This NPRM is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under section 
3(f) of Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review, and does 
not require an assessment of the potential costs and benefits under 
section 6(a)(3) of that Order. As such, the Office of Management and 
Budget has not reviewed this proposed rule under Executive Order 12866. 
Likewise, this proposed rule does not require an analysis under the 
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act, 2 U.S.C. 1501-1571, or the National 
Environmental Policy Act, 42 U.S.C. 4321-4347.
    In addition, the NTSB has considered whether this NPRM would have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities, 
under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601-612). The NTSB 
certifies under 5 U.S.C. 605(b) that this NPRM would not have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. 
Moreover, in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 605(b), the NTSB will submit this 
certification to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy at the Small Business 
Administration. Moreover, the NTSB does not anticipate this NPRM will 
have a substantial, direct effect on state or local governments or will 
preempt state law; as such, this NPRM does not have implications for 
federalism under Executive Order 13132, Federalism. This NPRM also 
complies with all applicable standards in sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of 
Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform, to minimize litigation, 
eliminate ambiguity, and reduce burden. In addition, the NTSB has 
evaluated this NPRM under: Executive Order 12630, Governmental Actions 
and Interference with Constitutionally Protected Property Rights; 
Executive Order 13045, Protection of Children from Environmental Health 
Risks and Safety Risks; Executive Order 13175, Consultation and 
Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments; Executive Order 13211, 
Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, 
Distribution, or Use; and the National Technology Transfer and 
Advancement Act, 15 U.S.C. 272 note. The NTSB has concluded that this 
NPRM does not contravene any of the

[[Page 14342]]

requirements set forth in these Executive Orders or statutes, nor does 
this NPRM prompt further consideration with regard to such 
requirements.
    The NTSB invites comments relating to any of the foregoing 
determinations and notes the most helpful comments reference a specific 
portion of the proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, 
and include supporting data.

List of Subjects in 49 CFR Part 845

    Administrative practice and procedure, Investigations, Organization 
and functions (Government agencies), Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements, Safety, Transportation.
    For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the NTSB proposes to 
amend 49 CFR part 845 as follows:

Title 49--Transportation

PART 845--RULES OF PRACTICE IN TRANSPORTATION: INVESTIGATIVE 
HEARINGS; MEETINGS; AND REPORTS; PETITIONS FOR RECONSIDERATION

0
1. The authority citation for 49 CFR part 845 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: Sec. 515, Pub. L. 106-554, App. C, 114 Stat. 2763, 
2763A-153 (44 U.S.C. 3516 note); 49 U.S.C. 1112, 1113(f), 1116, 
1131, unless otherwise noted.

0
2. Revise part 845 to read as follows:
845.1 Applicability of part.
Subpart A--Investigative Hearings
845.2 Investigative hearings.
845.3 Sessions open to the public.
845.4 Determination to hold hearing.
845.5 Board of inquiry.
845.6 Designation of parties.
845.7 Hearing officer.
845.8 Technical panel.
845.9 Prehearing conference.
845.10 Right of representation.
845.11 Examination of witnesses.
845.12 Evidence.
845.13 Proposed findings.
845.14 Transcript.
845.15 Payment of witnesses.
Subpart B--Meetings
845.20 Meetings.
845.21 Symposiums, forums, and conferences.
Subpart C--Miscellaneous Provisions
845.30 Board products.
845.31 Public docket.
845.32 Petitions for reconsideration or modification of report.
845.33 Investigation to remain open.

PART 845--RULES OF PRACTICE IN TRANSPORTATION: INVESTIGATIVE 
HEARINGS; MEETINGS; AND REPORTS; PETITIONS FOR RECONSIDERATION


Sec.  845.1  Applicability.

    Unless otherwise specifically ordered by the National 
Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the provisions of this part shall 
govern all NTSB proceedings conducted under the authority of 49 U.S.C. 
1113 and 1131, and reports issued by the Board.

Subpart A--Investigative Hearings


Sec.  845.2  Investigative hearings.

    Investigative hearings are convened to assist the NTSB in further 
developing the facts, conditions, and circumstances of the 
transportation event, which will ultimately assist the Board in 
determining the cause or probable cause of the event, and in 
ascertaining measures that will tend to prevent such events and promote 
transportation safety. Investigative hearings are fact-finding 
proceedings with no adverse parties. They are not subject to the 
provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 554), and are 
not conducted for the purpose of determining the rights, liabilities, 
or blame of any person or entity.


Sec.  845.3  Sessions open to the public.

    (a) All investigative hearings shall normally be open to the 
public. However, no person shall be allowed at any time to interfere 
with the proper and orderly functioning of the hearing.
    (b) Sessions shall not be open to the public when evidence of a 
classified nature or which affects national security is to be received.


Sec.  845.4  Determination to hold hearing.

    (a) The Board may order an investigative hearing as part of an 
investigation whenever a hearing is deemed necessary in the public 
interest.
    (b) If a quorum of the Board is not immediately available, the 
determination to hold an investigative hearing may be made by the 
Chairman of the Board.


Sec.  845.5  Board of inquiry.

    (a) Composition of board of inquiry. The board of inquiry shall 
consist of a chairman of the board of inquiry, as specified in 
paragraph (c) of this section, and other members in accordance with 
Board policy.
    (b) Duties of board of inquiry. The board of inquiry shall examine 
witnesses and secure, in the form of a public record, facts pertaining 
to the event under investigation and surrounding circumstances and 
conditions from which the Board may determine probable cause and may 
formulate recommendations and/or other documents for corrective or 
preventative action.
    (c) Chairman of board of inquiry.
    (1) The NTSB will provide notice of the time and place of the 
investigative hearing to all known interested persons.
    (2) The chairman of the board of inquiry, or his or her designee, 
shall have the following powers:
    (A) To designate parties to the investigative hearing and revoke 
such designations;
    (B) To open, continue, or adjourn the investigative hearing;
    (C) To determine the admissibility of and to receive evidence and 
to regulate the course of the investigative hearing;
    (D) To dispose of procedural requests or similar matters; and
    (E) To take any other appropriate action to ensure the orderly 
conduct of the investigative hearing.


Sec.  845.6  Designation of parties.

    (a) The chairman of the board of inquiry shall designate as parties 
to the investigative hearing those persons and organizations whose 
participation in the hearing is deemed necessary in the public interest 
and whose special knowledge will contribute to the development of 
pertinent evidence. Parties to the investigative hearing shall be 
represented by suitable representatives who do not occupy legal 
positions.
    (b) No party to the investigation and/or investigative hearing 
shall be represented by any person who also represents claimants or 
insurers. Failure to comply with this provision shall result in loss of 
status as a party to the investigative hearing.


Sec.  845.7  Hearing officer.

    The investigative hearing officer, upon designation by the NTSB 
Chairman, shall have the following powers:
    (a) To give notice concerning the time and place of investigative 
hearing;
    (b) To administer oaths and affirmations to witnesses; and
    (c) To issue subpoenas requiring the attendance and testimony of 
witnesses and production of documents. The investigative hearing 
officer may, in consultation with the chairman of the board of inquiry 
and the Managing Director, add witnesses until the time of the 
prehearing conference.


Sec.  845.8  Technical panel.

    The appropriate office director(s) and/or the hearing officer, in 
consultation

[[Page 14343]]

with the NTSB Managing Director, shall determine if a technical panel 
is needed and, if so, shall designate members of the NTSB technical 
staff to participate in the investigative hearing. Members of the 
technical panel may conduct pre-screening of witnesses through 
interviews, and may take other actions to prepare for the hearing. At 
the hearing, the technical panel will initially examine the witnesses 
through questioning. The technical panel shall examine witnesses and 
secure, in the form of a public record, facts pertaining to the event 
under investigation and surrounding circumstances and conditions.


Sec.  845.9  Prehearing conference.

    (a) Except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, the 
chairman of the board of inquiry shall hold a prehearing conference 
with the parties to the investigative hearing at a convenient time and 
place prior to the hearing. At the prehearing conference, the parties 
shall be advised of the witnesses to be called at the investigative 
hearing, the areas in which they will be examined, and the exhibits 
that will be offered in evidence.
    (b) At the prehearing conference, parties to the investigative 
hearing shall submit copies of any additional documentary exhibits they 
desire to offer for admission at the hearing.
    (c) A party to the investigative hearing who, at the time of the 
prehearing conference, fails to advise the chairman of the board of 
inquiry of additional exhibits he or she intends to submit, or 
additional witnesses he or she desires to examine, shall be prohibited 
from introducing such evidence unless the chairman of the board of 
inquiry determines for good cause shown that such evidence should be 
admitted.
    (d) Expedited hearings. The board of inquiry may hold an 
investigative hearing on an expedited schedule. The chairman of the 
board of inquiry may hold a prehearing conference for an expedited 
investigative hearing. When an expedited investigative hearing is held, 
the chairman of the board of inquiry may waive the requirements in 
paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section concerning the identification of 
witnesses, exhibits or other evidence.


Sec.  845.10  Right of representation.

    Any person who appears to testify at an investigative hearing has 
the right to be accompanied, represented, or advised by counsel or by 
any other representative.


Sec.  845.11  Examination of witnesses.

    (a) Examination. In general, the technical panel shall initially 
examine witnesses. Following such examination, parties to the 
investigative hearing shall be given the opportunity to examine such 
witnesses. The board of inquiry shall then conclude the examination 
following the parties' questions.
    (b) Objections.
    (1) Materiality, relevancy, and competency of witness testimony, 
exhibits, or physical evidence shall not be the subject of objections 
in the legal sense by a party to the investigative hearing or any other 
person.
    (2) Such matters shall be controlled by rulings of the chairman of 
the board of inquiry on his or her own motion. If the examination of a 
witness by a party to the investigative hearing is interrupted by a 
ruling of the chairman of the board of inquiry, the party shall have 
the opportunity to show materiality, relevancy, or competency of the 
testimony or evidence sought to be elicited from the witness.


Sec.  845.12  Evidence.

    In accordance with Sec.  845.2, the chairman of the board of 
inquiry shall receive all testimony and evidence that may be of aid in 
determining the probable cause of the transportation event. He or she 
may exclude any testimony or exhibits that are not pertinent to the 
investigation or are merely cumulative.


Sec.  845.13  Proposed findings.

    Following the investigative hearing, any party to the hearing may 
submit proposed findings to be drawn from the testimony and exhibits, a 
proposed probable cause, and proposed safety recommendations designed 
to prevent future events. The proposals shall be submitted within the 
time specified by the investigative hearing officer at the close of the 
hearing, and shall be made a part of the public docket. Parties to the 
investigative hearing shall serve copies of their proposals on all 
other parties to the hearing.


Sec.  845.14  Transcript.

    A verbatim report of the investigative hearing shall be taken. Any 
interested person may obtain copies of the transcript from the NTSB or 
from the court reporting firm preparing the transcript upon payment of 
the fees fixed therefor. (See part 801, subpart G, Fee schedule.)


Sec.  845.15  Payment of witnesses.

    Any witness subpoenaed to attend the investigative hearing under 
this part shall be paid such fees for travel and attendance for which 
the hearing officer shall certify.

Subpart B--Meetings


Sec.  845.20  Meetings.

    The Board may hold a meeting concerning an investigation or Board 
product, as described in Sec.  804.3 of this chapter or any other 
circumstance, when the Board determines holding a meeting is in the 
public interest.


Sec.  845.21  Symposiums, forums, and conferences.

    (a)(1) Definitions. (i) A symposium is a public proceeding focused 
on a specific topic, where invited participants provide presentations 
of their research, views or expertise on the topic and are available 
for questions.
    (ii) A forum is a public proceeding generally organized in a 
question-and-answer format with various invited participants who may 
make presentation and are available for questioning by the Board or 
designated NTSB staff as individuals in a panel format.
    (iii) A conference is a large, organized proceeding where 
individuals present materials, and a moderator or chairperson 
facilitates group discussions.
    (2) These proceedings are related to transportation safety matters 
and will be convened for the purpose of focusing attention, raising 
awareness, encouraging dialogue, educating the NTSB, or generally 
advancing or developing safety recommendations. The goals of the 
proceeding will be clearly articulated and outlined, and will be 
consistent with the mission of the NTSB.
    (b) A quorum of Board Members is not required to attend a forum, 
symposium, or conference. All three types of proceedings described in 
paragraph (a) of this section may have a relationship to previous or 
ongoing investigative activities; however, their purpose is not to 
obtain evidence for a specific investigation.
    (c) Symposiums, forums, and conferences are voluntary for all 
invited participants.

Subpart C--Miscellaneous Provisions


Sec.  845.30  Board products.

    (a) Reports of investigations. (1) The Board will adopt a report on 
the investigation. The report will set forth the relevant facts, 
conditions and circumstances relating to the event and the probable 
cause thereof, along with any appropriate safety recommendations and/or 
safety alerts formulated on the basis of the

[[Page 14344]]

investigation. The scope and format of the report will be determined in 
accordance with Board procedures.
    (2) The probable cause and facts, conditions, and circumstances of 
other events will be reported in a manner and form prescribed by the 
Board. The NTSB allows the appropriate office director, under his or 
her delegated authority as described in Sec.  800.25 of this chapter, 
to issue a ``brief,'' which includes the probable cause and relevant 
facts, conditions, and circumstances concerning the event. In 
particular circumstances, the Board in its discretion may choose to 
approve a brief. Such briefs do not include recommendations.
    (b) NTSB studies and reports. (1) The NTSB may issue reports 
describing investigations of more than one event that share 
commonalities. Such reports are similar to event investigation reports, 
as described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section. Such reports often 
include safety recommendations and/or safety alerts, which the Board 
adopts.
    (2) Safety studies and reports. The NTSB issues safety studies and 
reports, which usually examine safety concerns that require the 
investigation of a number of related events to determine the extent and 
severity of the safety issues. Such studies and reports often include 
safety recommendations and/or safety alerts, which the Board adopts.
    (c) Safety recommendations. The Board may adopt and issue safety 
recommendations, either as part of a Board report or as a stand-alone 
Board product.


Sec.  845.31  Public docket.

    (a) Investigations. (1) As described in Sec.  801.3 of this 
chapter, the public docket shall include factual information concerning 
the event. Proposed findings submitted pursuant to Sec. Sec.  831.14 or 
845.13 and petitions for reconsideration and modification submitted 
pursuant to Sec.  845.32, comments thereon by other parties, and the 
Board's rulings on proposed findings and petitions shall also be placed 
in the public docket.
    (2) The NTSB shall establish the public docket following the event, 
and material shall be added thereto as it becomes available. Where an 
investigative hearing is held, the exhibits will be introduced into the 
record at the hearing and will be included in the public docket.
    (b) Other Board reports and documents. The NTSB may elect to open 
and place materials in a public docket concerning a safety study or 
report, special investigation report, or other agency product. The NTSB 
will establish the public docket following its issuance of the study or 
report.
    (c) Availability. The public docket shall be made available to any 
person for review, as described in Sec.  801.30 of this chapter. 
Records within the public docket are available at www.ntsb.gov.


Sec.  845.32  Petitions for reconsideration or modification of report.

    (a) Requirements. (1) The Board will only consider petitions for 
reconsideration or modification of findings and determination of 
probable cause from a party or other person having a direct interest in 
an investigation.
    (2) Petitions must be in writing and addressed to the NTSB 
Chairman. Please send your petition via email to 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d4b7bba6a6b1a7a4bbbab0b1bab7b194baa0a7b6fab3bba2"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="89eae6fbfbecfaf9e6e7edece7eaecc9e7fdfaeba7eee6ff">[email protected]</span></a>. In the alternative, you may send your petition 
via postal mail to: NTSB Headquarters at 490 L'Enfant Plaza SW., 
Washington, DC 20594.
    (3) Petitions must be based on the discovery of new evidence or on 
a showing that the Board's findings are erroneous.
    (i) Petitions based on the discovery of new matter shall: identify 
the new matter; contain affidavits of prospective witnesses, 
authenticated documents, or both, or an explanation of why such 
substantiation is unavailable; and state why the new matter was not 
available prior to Board's adoption of its findings. (ii) Petitions 
based on a claim of erroneous findings shall set forth in detail the 
grounds upon which the claim is based.
    (b) Acceptance of petitions. The Board will not consider petitions 
that are repetitious of proposed findings submitted pursuant to Sec.  
845.13, or of positions previously advanced.
    (c) Proof of service. (1) When a petition for reconsideration or 
modification is filed with the Board, copies of the petition and any 
supporting documentation shall be served on all other parties to the 
investigation or investigative hearing and proof of service shall be 
attached to the petition. (2) Any party served with a copy of the 
petition may file comments no later than 90 days after service of the 
petition.
    (d) Oral presentation. Oral presentation normally will not form a 
part of proceedings under this section. However, oral presentation may 
be permitted where a party or interested person specifically shows the 
written petition for reconsideration or modification is an insufficient 
means by which to present the party's or person's position.


Sec.  845.33  Investigation to remain open.

    The Board never officially closes, but provides for the submission 
of new and pertinent evidence by any interested person. If the Board 
finds such evidence is relevant and probative, the evidence shall be 
made a part of the public docket and, where appropriate, the Board will 
provide parties an opportunity to examine such evidence and to comment 
thereon.

Christopher A. Hart,
Acting Chairman.
[FR Doc. 2015-06187 Filed 3-18-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 7533-01-P


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