In accordance with the ‘Standards and Recommended Practices’ (SARPS) contained in Annex 13 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation and Government of India’s ‘State Safety Programme’ (SSP); Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India established Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) on 30 July 2012.

AAIB, India is responsible for classification of ‘Safety Occurrences’ involving aircraft operating in the Indian Airspace into Accidents, Serious Incidents and Incidents. All Accidents and Serious Incidents involving aircraft with AUW more than 2250 Kgs or Turbojet aircraft are investigated by AAIB. AAIB may investigate serious incidents or incidents to aircraft apart from the ones mentioned above, if it appears expedient to hold an investigation into the circumstances of such serious incident or incident. As per the Rule 3 of Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2017 the sole objective of the investigations carried out by AAIB is prevention of accidents and incidents and not to apportion blame or liability.

After completion of Investigation and acceptance of the same by the Director General, AAIB, the Investigation Reports are made public and published by AAIB on its website. The accepted ‘Final Investigation Reports’ are also forwarded to International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the States participating in the investigation.

AAIB also conducts safety studies from time to time. The recommendations made in the Investigation Reports and Safety Studies are forwarded to the DGCA, India or Civil Aviation Regulatory bodies of other ICAO Contracting States for their implementation and follow up.

AAIB also facilitates the investigation and administrative work of Court or Assessors appointed by the Central Government as per Rule 12 of Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2017.