scope:

GENERAL

The sole objective of an investigation into an aircraft accident or incident conducted under the provisions of Annex 13 shall be the prevention of accidents and incidents. Annex 13 also states that it is not the purpose of an investigation to apportion blame or liability. Any judicial or administrative proceedings to apportion blame or liability shall be separate from any investigation conducted under the provisions of Annex 13.

An aircraft accident or incident provides evidence of hazards or deficiencies within the aviation system. A well-conducted investigation should identify all immediate and underlying systemic causes and/or contributing factors of the accident or incident. The investigation may also reveal other hazards or deficiencies within the aviation system not directly connected with the causes of the accident. The emphasis of an aircraft accident or incident investigation shall be on determining why the accident or incident happened and on recommending appropriate safety actions aimed at avoiding the hazards or eliminating the deficiencies. A properly conducted accident investigation is an important method of accident prevention.

An investigation shall also determine the facts, conditions and circumstances pertaining to the survival or non-survival of the occupants of the aircraft. Recommendations for improvements to the crashworthiness of the aircraft are aimed at preventing or minimizing injuries to aircraft occupants in future accidents.

The Final Report, which is produced at the completion of an investigation, constitutes the official conclusions and record of the accident or incident.