((a)) ** .—** 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)) ** .—** 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)) ** .—** A special board of inquiry has the same authority that the Board has under this chapter.