What is required if an experimental aircraft suffers a system malfunction?

In the case of an experimental aircraft suffering a system malfunction, immediate notification to the FAA is required if the malfunction results in specific safety issues or incidents. Under FAA regulations, any event that results in substantial damage to the aircraft or injury to a person necessitates reporting to the FAA. This ensures that appropriate safety protocols can be assessed and addressed and that necessary investigations can be conducted to prevent future occurrences.

While notifying an insurance carrier, completing a maintenance log, and submitting an incident report to the NTSB might be important steps to take in their own contexts, they do not have the same immediacy or regulatory requirement as notifying the FAA when it comes to an incident involving an experimental aircraft which may have implications for overall aviation safety. Particularly in the experimental category, where aircraft may not meet all standard operating parameters, this reporting is critical for understanding and addressing underlying issues that may affect airworthiness.