Aircraft Accident Investigation
(AAI)
Course Description
In civil aviation, investigating aircraft accidents is the responsibility of the National Transportation Safety Board (in the United States) or a similar government agency in any country that is a signatory to the ICAO Conventions. Nonetheless, under ICAO Annex 13 and in the US CFR Part 830, every operator of a civil aircraft has certain responsibilities in the event of an accident or incident. These responsibilities include proper reporting, preservation of evidence, and support of the investigation team. In addition, agencies or organizations actively involved in the accident may be invited by the NTSB to participate in the investigation. This would include the operator, airframe and engine manufacturers, and other technical experts. To be qualified to join the investigation, invited participants must have the technical expertise to support the investigation as well as an understanding of the accident investigation process in order to provide accurate and timely support.