What is the definition of "aircraft accident" ?

Larry Henney wrote>>

This one you won't find under an NTSB report.  Two lines of demarcation
regarding NTSB reporting according to AOPA and EAA at the time were:

1) Was there damage to the airfield?  2) Was there a 911 or EMS called?  >>>

Unfortunately this is not the correct answer-- the correct answer is:

(d). "Aircraft Accident" means an occurrence associated with the operations of an aircraft which takes place between the time a person boards an aircraft with the intention of flight and all such persons have disembarked, and in which any peerson suffers death, serious injury, or in which the aircraft receives substantial damage. "Incident"  means and occurrence other than an accident, associated with the operation of an aircraft, which affects or could affect the safety of operations. "Fatal injury" -- any injury which results in death within 30 days of the accident
serious injury-- (1) requires hospitalization for more than 48 hours and commences within 7 days of accident, (2) results in fracture of any bone (except simpe fx of fingers, toes, nose) ; (3) causes severe hemmorrhage, nerve , muscle, or tendon damage, (4) involves any internal organ; or (5) involves 2nd or 3rd degree burns affecting more than 5% of the body.

"Substantial damage" means damage or failure that adversely affeects sturctural strength, performance or flight characteristics of the aircraft and would normally require a major repair or replacement of the affected component. This damage does not include bent fairings, dented skin, small punctures in skin, ground damage to props, landing gear, wheels, tires, flaps, or wingtips. Immediate notification is required to the NTSB if there is a an aircraft accident or any of the following:
(1) flight control malfunction or failure
(2) inability of any crewmember to perform their normal duties due to injury or illness
(3) failure of a structural component of a turbine engine--excluding blades and vanes
(you Walter guys)
(4) inflight fire
(5) aircaft midair
(6) damage to other property exceeds $25K
(7) aircraft is overdue and presumed to ahve been in an accident

The above information is quoted from "NTSB Part 830: Accident or Incident Reporting" and is Federal Regulation. It is found in most editions of the FAR/ AIM books commercially available. Bottom line-- you must report all accidents defined above as well as certain incidents to the NTSB within  10 days. Fly Safe -- stay out of the spotlight.

Jeff Edwards
Aircraft Accidnet Investigator
LIVP N619SJ