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Aircraft accident investigations in Europe: An insight into processes, responsibilities and legal obligations

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Aircraft accident investigations are complex processes aimed at determining the causes of aircraft accidents and preventing future incidents. In Europe, specialised authorities are responsible for these investigations.

The cooperation between these bodies, airlines, pilots and international partners is regulated by law and is of crucial importance for aviation safety. This article looks at the process of such investigations, the competent authorities and the legal obligations of those involved.

Process of aircraft accident investigations

The process of an aircraft accident investigation begins immediately after an incident. As soon as an accident is reported, the area is cordoned off to secure evidence and allow an unhindered investigation. The first phase consists of collecting and securing all physical evidence, including wreckage, flight data recorders (black boxes) and witness statements.

In the second phase, the evidence collected is analyzed. This includes evaluating the data from the flight data recorder and the cockpit voice recorder, technical examinations of the wreckage and reconstruction of the accident. Experts from various fields such as aerodynamics, engine technology and human behavior work together to identify the causes of the accident.

In the third phase, the results are documented and a final report is prepared. This report contains not only the root cause analysis but also recommendations for preventing future accidents. Finally, the results are published and forwarded to relevant bodies such as airlines, aviation authorities and the public.

Competent authorities in Europe

In Europe, national authorities are responsible for investigating aircraft accidents. The best known include:

  • Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation (BFU) in Germany
  • Bureau of Investigations and Analyses for Civil Aviation Safety (BEA) in France
  • Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) in the UK

These authorities work closely with the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which acts as the central organization for the harmonisation of aviation safety standards in Europe.

Legal obligations of airlines and pilots

Airlines and pilots are legally obliged to cooperate in aircraft accident investigations. This includes providing all relevant information, access to technical data and cooperating with the investigating authorities. According to Regulation (EU) No 996/2010, airlines must report any type of incident and actively assist in the investigation. Pilots are obliged to provide detailed reports of their actions and observations before and during the accident.

International responsibilities

Jurisdiction in the event of an aircraft accident often extends across several countries. According to the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), various states are involved:

  • Country of manufacture of the aircraft: Participates in the technical analysis and provides necessary information about the aircraft.
  • Aircraft registration country: The country in which the aircraft is registered plays a key role in providing operational data and coordinating the investigation.
  • Country where the accident occurred: Conducts the main investigation and coordinates the cooperation between all parties involved.

In many cases, the country of the airline involved is also involved to provide operational data and other relevant information. This multilateral cooperation ensures that all aspects of the accident can be fully investigated.

Aircraft accident investigations are essential for aviation safety. The structured and detailed investigation of accidents helps to determine the causes and prevent future incidents. Close cooperation between national and international authorities, airlines and pilots is essential to achieve these goals and continuously improve aviation safety.

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