Apart from the Federal Aviation Administration, which agency may investigate a plane crash or other transportation-for-hire-related incident?

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is the agency responsible for investigating transportation accidents, including plane crashes. This agency operates independently and focuses on determining the probable cause of accidents to improve safety and prevent future incidents. The NTSB works in collaboration with other federal, state, and local agencies but takes the lead in investigations involving air, rail, highway, maritime, and pipeline incidents.

While the Federal Aviation Administration is responsible for regulating and overseeing civil aviation, it does not conduct accident investigations. Instead, its role is more aligned with ensuring compliance with safety regulations and standards. The Civil Aeronautics Board, which has historical significance, was dissolved in the 1980s and no longer exists as an agency for investigating accidents. The Transportation Security Administration focuses primarily on the security of transportation systems, especially in aviation, but it is not involved in investigating transportation-related incidents.

The NTSB plays a crucial role in enhancing public safety through its investigations and findings, making it the correct answer regarding plane crash investigations and other transportation-for-hire-related incidents.