What should a pilot do if they are involved in a near-miss incident with another aircraft?

In the context of a near-miss incident, the priority for a pilot is to communicate with Air Traffic Control (ATC) immediately. Alerting ATC is crucial because they are responsible for maintaining safety in the airspace and can provide vital instructions or support following an incident. By notifying ATC, the pilot ensures that all relevant parties are aware of the situation on the ground and in the air, which is essential for preventing further conflicts and maintaining safety.

Furthermore, ATC can take immediate action to guide other aircraft away from potential danger and assist the pilot in navigating their next steps. This line of communication is a fundamental part of the aviation safety protocol, ensuring that all data is recorded and evaluated effectively.

The other options, while important in their own right, do not take precedence during the immediate aftermath of a near-miss incident. For example, while filing a report with the NTSB is an essential step that must occur, it is not the immediate action to take during an ongoing situation. Discussing the incident with the crew afterward is also valuable but is more suited to a debriefing after ensuring safety protocols have been followed and ATC has been informed. Maintaining a current heading without alteration could lead to further risk if the surrounding situation