What is NOT considered an accident that requires NTSB reporting?

The correct answer identifies a scenario that does not constitute an accident needing National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reporting. Specifically, when a pilot successfully lands an aircraft, even under challenging circumstances, it does not meet the criteria set by the NTSB as an accident. The NTSB defines an accident generally as an occurrence that includes a serious injury or substantial damage to the aircraft.

In the context of aviation incidents, an accident typically involves events that impact safety and result in the aircraft being damaged or injury to persons on board, leading to a report requirement. A pilot landing safely does not involve any of the defined criteria that require formal documentation unless there is an associated incident causing injury or damage.

In contrast, incidents such as the inability of flight crew members to perform due to injury, in-flight fires, or aircraft collisions indeed pose serious safety concerns, fit the established definitions, and therefore require NTSB reporting to ensure thorough analysis and improvement of safety measures in aviation.