Annex 13 — Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation contains the international Standards and Recommended Practices for aircraft accident and incident Investigation
Part I — Organization and Planning, 1st Edition – 2000, includes considerations for the establishment of an aircraft accident investigation authority in terms of its structure, staffing and legislation. The planning of an investigation and the notification process for accidents and incidents are also addressed, as are the initial actions to be taken at an accident site, with particular emphasis on the safety of personnel. A directory of the accident investigation authorities in all States and their contact details is included.
Part II — Procedures and Checklists, 2nd Edition – 2012, provides information on the common techniques and procedures, as well as checklists to assist States in aircraft accident and incident investigations. The manual also provides guidelines on major investigations that can be used, particularly, in the conduct of larger accident investigations.
Part III — Investigation, 1st Edition – 2012, provides guidance for the investigation of all technical areas that may have been involved in an aircraft accident or incident. Likewise, guidance is provided for the several phases of an investigation. Contents addressed include, among others, wreckage investigation, structures and systems investigation, flight recorders, aircraft performance, etc.
Part IV — Reporting, 2nd Edition – 2013, provides guidance in developing the final reports as a result of the investigation of aircraft accidents and incidents, including comprehensive guidelines on drafting and processing of safety recommendations. It outlines the format and content and the procedures for consultation, release, distribution, and dissemination of the final report.
Manual on Regional Accident and Incident Investigation Organization (Doc 9946) provides information and guidance on the establishment and management of a regional accident and incident investigation organization (RAIO) to assist ICAO Contracting States in fulfilling their obligations pertaining to accident and incident investigation. A regional investigation system can provide economies of scale by allowing for the sharing of required resources. The manual outlines the duties and responsibilities of ICAO Contracting States, individually and/or collectively, with respect to the establishment and management of a regional accident and incident investigation system.
Manual on Accident and Incident Investigation Policies and Procedures (Doc 9962) is an implementation tool to assist States in developing a policies and procedures manual for accident and incident investigation. The contents of the manual provide a template for States to modify, as necessary, their accident investigation documentation to be in line with Annex 13 provisions and to standardize and harmonize accident investigation processes among ICAO Member States. The manual was developed in such a manner that States can adapt it by “filling in the blanks” with State-specific material such as legislation, regulations, etc.
Manual on Assistance to Aircraft Accident Victims and their Families (Doc 9973) provides guidance on the types of family assistance that may be provided to aircraft accident victims and their families. It discusses the types of assistance that may be provided, as well as the providers and recipients of such assistance. Examples are provided of one State’s legislation and response plan for the provision of family assistance.
Hazards at Aircraft Accident Sites (Cir 315) discusses the nature and variety of occupational hazards and the management of risk associated with exposure to a wide range of health and safety hazards during the investigation of aircraft accidents. Working at aircraft accident sites has the potential to expose investigators, and search and rescue personnel, to these hazards generated by the damage to structures, systems, components and aircraft contents, will be variable in nature and will themselves be influenced by the factors associated with the accident scenario, e.g. location, weather conditions, environment, security. This circular is produced to assist individuals to consider and apply effective occupational safety management practices both to their own activities, and to the activities of the teams that they work with, or for which they are responsible.
