What period of time must a person be hospitalized for an injury to be classified as a "serious injury" by the NTSB?

The definition of a "serious injury" according to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is specifically tied to the period of hospitalization required following an injury. The correct classification states that a "serious injury" occurs when a person is hospitalized for 48 hours, with this period commencing within 7 days following the injury. This timeframe is crucial as it helps establish a clear standard for reporting and assessing aviation accidents and incidents, ensuring consistency in the classification of injuries.

Understanding this helps in recognizing the significance of timing and duration in the context of serious injuries. The focus on hospitalization duration reflects the severity and impact of the injury on the individual, which is key information in accident investigations. The other options differ in the criteria for hospitalization duration and the timeframe for reporting, which do not align with the NTSB's established definition.