49 U.S.C. § 1112

Special boards of inquiry on air transportation safety

(a) Establishment.—

If an accident involves a substantial question about public safety in air transportation, the National Transportation Safety Board may establish a special board of inquiry composed of—

(1)

one member of the Board acting as chairman; and

(2)

2 members representing the public, appointed by the President on notification of the establishment of the special board of inquiry.

(b) Qualifications and Conflicts of Interest.—

The public members of a special board of inquiry must be qualified by training and experience to participate in the inquiry and may not have a pecuniary interest in an aviation enterprise involved in the accident to be investigated.

A special board of inquiry has the same authority that the Board has under this chapter.

( Pub. L. 103–272, § 1(d) , July 5, 1994 , 108 Stat. 747 .)