NTSB member reports dismissal from position by the Trump administration without any explanation.
A member of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has publicly announced his termination from the agency, a dismissal reportedly made by the Trump administration without providing an explanation. Todd Inman, who played a significant role in the investigation of a catastrophic airliner collision with an Army helicopter near Washington, D.C. in January 2025, disclosed the news in a statement made on Sunday. He indicated that he was informed of his dismissal by the White House personnel office on Friday, though he has yet to receive detailed information regarding the reasons behind his removal.
The lack of immediate comment from the White House following the announcement has raised questions regarding the administration’s approach to appointments at the NTSB. Current data from the NTSB’s website indicates that the board, which is meant to consist of five members, currently has only three active members. This situation follows the abrupt dismissal of NTSB vice chair Alvin Brown last year, which, according to experts, is an unusual occurrence within the agency’s history.
The pattern of dismissals has raised concerns about potential discrimination, particularly since both Brown and Robert Primus, who was also dismissed from the U.S. Surface Transportation Board, were the only Black members on their respective boards when they were let go. Both former members are challenging their dismissals legally, with Democracy Forward filing claims of discrimination on their behalf. The White House has asserted previously that the firings were performance-based and not indicative of bias.
The NTSB is a critical agency tasked by Congress with investigating various transportation accidents, including those in aviation, railways, highways, and pipelines, to identify probable causes and recommend preventive measures. Currently, the NTSB is engaged in examining about 1,250 cases.
Inman has been notably involved in investigating high-profile incidents, including the crash of a UPS cargo plane in Kentucky that resulted in 15 fatalities. Following significant accidents, it is common for board members to visit the crash sites to facilitate initial investigations and gather briefings from local authorities.
Reflecting on his tenure, Inman emphasized the importance of the NTSB’s mission, particularly following his experiences with impactful aviation incidents. He expressed a commitment to ensuring that the agency maintains its dedication to safety and is not influenced by political motivations. Inman’s remarks underscore the ongoing challenges faced by the NTSB as it works to fulfill its vital role in enhancing transportation safety.
