Which agency has the authority to make safety-related regulations after an aircraft accident?

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has the authority to create and enforce safety-related regulations following an aircraft accident. This is crucial because the FAA is tasked with ensuring the safety of civil aviation. While the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigates accidents and makes recommendations, it does not have regulatory authority to implement changes; that responsibility lies with the FAA.

The FAA utilizes findings from NTSB investigations and other data to develop new regulations or modify existing ones to enhance safety measures in the aviation industry. Ultimately, the FAA plays a pivotal role in the regulatory framework that governs aviation safety standards, making it the correct answer in this context.

In contrast, the Department of Transportation (DOT) oversees the broader transportation policy across various modes, but does not directly issue safety regulations concerning aviation. Similarly, the Department of Defense (DOD) primarily manages military aviation matters and does not engage in the regulation of civilian aviation safety post-accident.