Description

This article discusses the risks posed to third parties on the ground by aviation operations. The article does not discuss ground handling accidents or the wider environmental impacts of aviation operations such as pollution or noise.

On 6 December 1997 an AN124 crashed into a residential area shorty after takeoff from Irkutsk [Source: Wikicommons/Mchs.gov.ru]

Overview

Third party risk in aviation accidents refers to the risk posed by aircraft accidents to people and property on the ground, including those who have no connection with flying. This is particularly high near airports and accidents which occur during the takeoff and landing phases of flight but extends to any accident which involves aircraft in flight.

Events involving aviation related objects hitting third parties or their property include: