Objective

The sole objective of the investigation of an accident or incident shall be the prevention of accidents and incidents. It is not the purpose of this activity to apportion blame or liability. (ICAO Annex 13, Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation)

Background

International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Annex 13, Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation, details the international Standards and Recommended Practices (SAPRS) for the investigation of accidents and incidents, including which States may participate, and the rights and responsibilities of those States.

The States that generally are entitled to participate in an investigation include the State of the aircraft operator, the State where the accident aircraft is registered, the State of aircraft design and aircraft manufacture, and a State that has a special interest in the accident, such as because of fatalities or serious injuries to its citizens.