Todd Inman, a Republican member of the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), disclosed on Sunday that he was unexpectedly dismissed from his position by the White House last Friday. The decision came without any formal explanation or prior warning, leaving many to speculate about the reasons behind this sudden move. Inman, who has a notable background as a former chief of staff to Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao during President Donald Trump’s initial term, had been serving on the NTSB since April 2024.
During his tenure, Inman played a critical role as the on-scene board member for several major transportation disasters. Notably, he was involved in the investigation of the tragic January 2025 collision between an American Airlines flight and an Army helicopter near Reagan Washington National Airport, an accident that resulted in the loss of 67 lives. Additionally, he oversaw the inquiry into the November crash of a UPS cargo plane during takeoff from Louisville, Kentucky, which claimed 15 lives. These high-profile cases underscored the gravity of his responsibilities and his commitment to transportation safety.
Following his dismissal, Inman’s profile was promptly removed from the official NTSB website by Sunday, signaling the swift nature of his removal. The NTSB communicated to its senior leadership via email that Inman’s position had been terminated, though the agency itself refrained from making any public comments on the matter. Meanwhile, the White House has remained silent, not issuing any statements or clarifications regarding the reasons for Inman’s firing.
This incident echoes a similar situation earlier this year when the White House terminated Alvin Brown, then Vice Chair of the NTSB, in May. Brown, a Democrat and the first African American elected mayor of Jacksonville, Florida, responded by filing a lawsuit challenging the legality of his dismissal. The parallel between these two high-level removals raises questions about potential political dynamics influencing the leadership of the NTSB.
It is important to highlight the critical role the NTSB plays in the United States. The board is responsible for investigating all civil aviation accidents and also probes significant incidents across other transportation sectors, including highways, marine vessels, pipelines, and railroads. Their investigations aim to determine the probable causes of accidents and to issue safety recommendations designed to prevent future tragedies. Inman expressed that serving on the board was a profound honor, despite the emotional toll of witnessing devastating accidents firsthand. He remarked that these experiences have deeply affected him and his family, ultimately shaping his perspective on the importance of regulating safety for the traveling public.
In a related development, the Senate recently confirmed John DeLeeuw to fill the vacancy left by Alvin Brown. DeLeeuw brings extensive experience to the NTSB, having served as managing director of safety and efficiency for American Airlines and as a Boeing 787 captain. His appointment is expected to influence the board’s ongoing efforts to enhance transportation safety nationwide.
