Former Louisville crash investigation spokesperson Todd Inman says he was fired from NTSB without explanation

Dismissal comes as NTSB continues multiple high-profile aviation investigations

A National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) member who served as the on-scene spokesperson during the early phase of a deadly Louisville-area cargo plane crash investigation says he was removed from his post without being given a reason.

J. Todd Inman said he received notice that his appointment to the five-member board was terminated effective immediately. His term had been scheduled to run through the end of 2027. The NTSB has not publicly provided details about the dismissal and has declined to comment on the personnel matter.

White House alleges misconduct; Inman denies allegations

After Inman disclosed the firing, the White House stated the removal was based on reports alleging inappropriate alcohol use on the job, harassment of staff, misuse of government resources, and failure to attend at least half of NTSB meetings. Inman has categorically denied the allegations and said he intends to defend his reputation through legal means.

The dispute introduces uncertainty at an agency designed to operate independently from political leadership. NTSB board members are appointed for fixed terms, and abrupt removals are uncommon in modern practice. In the past year, the administration has also moved to remove members from other independent boards and commissions, reshaping oversight bodies while court challenges proceed in some cases.

Why the board role matters in major crash investigations

Inman’s public profile grew through his role at several major incidents. Board members typically serve as the agency’s official spokesperson at high-visibility accident scenes, while an Investigator-in-Charge leads the technical investigation supported by specialized working groups. This structure is intended to separate fact-finding from advocacy and to produce safety recommendations aimed at preventing future tragedies.

In Louisville, Inman served as the lead board member on scene after a UPS cargo aircraft crash that killed 15 people in November. He also served as the lead board member on scene after a 2025 midair collision near Washington, D.C., that killed 67 people. In both cases, the NTSB’s role includes gathering evidence, reconstructing events, and ultimately issuing findings on probable cause and safety recommendations.

Current board makeup and near-term implications

Following Inman’s dismissal, the NTSB’s public roster showed three sitting members, below its full complement of five. The U.S. Senate has recently confirmed American Airlines executive John DeLeeuw, who is expected to join as a fourth member. By statute and long-standing practice, the board is generally structured to prevent one-party dominance by limiting the number of members from the president’s party.

In the near term, the agency’s investigative work is expected to continue through its career staff and established procedures. However, reduced board capacity can affect leadership bandwidth, public communications during major incidents, and the pace at which final reports are approved and released.

• Inman says he was fired without explanation and denies White House allegations.
• The White House cites misconduct-related reports as justification for removal.
• The NTSB continues handling more than 1,000 active investigations while operating with a reduced board.

The NTSB’s investigative model relies on specialized teams led by an Investigator-in-Charge, with board members serving as the agency’s public-facing officials during major events.