NTSB was initially established within the newly formed Department of Transportation (DOT) in 1966,5 but was made independent from DOT in 1974.6 NTSB is charged by Congress with investigating every civil aviation accident in the United States and significant accidents in other modes of transportation-railroad, highway, marine and pipeline. NTSB determines the probable cause of the accidents and issues safety recommendations aimed at preventing future accidents. In addition, NTSB carries out special studies concerning transportation safety and coordinates the resources of the federal government and other organizations to provide assistance to victims and their family members impacted by major transportation disasters. Unlike regulatory transportation agencies, such as the Federal Aviation Administration, NTSB does not have the authority to promulgate regulations to promote safety, but instead makes recommendations in its accident reports and safety studies to agencies that have such regulatory authority.