Aside from putting expensive aircraft into space, NASA also runs the Aviation Safety Reporting System. Quoting their website:

The ASRS collects, analyzes, and responds to voluntarily submitted aviation safety incident reports in order
to lessen the likelihood of aviation accidents. ASRS data are used to:

• Identify deficiencies and discrepancies in the National Aviation System (NAS) so that these can be
  remedied by appropriate authorities.
• Support policy formulation and planning for, and improvements to, the NAS.
• Strengthen the foundation of aviation human factors safety research. This is particularly important
  since it is generally conceded that over two-thirds of all aviation accidents and incidents have their
  roots in human performance errors.
  

The ASRS web page fully describes the system and purposes. One of the most important aspects of this program for pilots is the ability to file Form 277B to report an aviation operation which may compromise safety. It also may serve to provide immunity to the filer in certain circumstances.

**Click here to download forms from the ASRS web site** (Site opens new window)

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