(a) Establishment. - If an accident involves a substantial question about public safety in air transportation, the National Transportation Safety Board may establish a special board of inquiry composed of - (1) one member of the Board acting as chairman; and (2) 2 members representing the public, appointed by the President on notification of the establishment of the special board of inquiry. (b) Qualifications and Conflicts of Interest. - The public members of a special board of inquiry must be qualified by training and experience to participate in the inquiry and may not have a pecuniary interest in an aviation enterprise involved in the accident to be investigated. (c) Authority. - A special board of inquiry has the same authority that the Board has under this chapter.