This is how the investigation of a plane crash is carried out

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This is how it is carried out and it is the process of carrying out a final report of a plane crash during the official investigation process. Foto NTSB.

In this new installment, we will review in a condensed way, what are the steps or procedures that are initiated every time an unfortunate plane crash occurs, even incident.

It should be noted, as a first point, that the procedures to be followed are well determined in the Annex 13 de ICAO, where you can read these details carefully and extensively, but in this space we will comment on them in a way that is understandable for everyone.

All signatory states of the different international agreements that govern aviation, as well as that they are part of the International Civil Aviation Organization - ICAO, They must follow these basic parameters to carry out an air accident investigation as necessary..

Investigation of a plane crash

When the Accident Board or the name that has been granted by the local authority is activated, it will do the following:

Notification

The first action is to notify the respective Control Agencies depending on the place and nationality of the accident aircraft., for this reason there must always be a team ready to act on the 24 hours of the day.

This first notification must have the following information:

• ID, brand and license plate
• Owner or operator name
• Crew name
• UTC date and time
• Last point of departure and landing
• Coordinates of the accident site
• Number of passengers
• Aircraft damage

Accident Investigation Board

Each country must have an organization known as JIA, which will be the independent entity to carry out the entire investigation process regarding an air accident.

Having said that, each country must adapt the Annexed 13 de ICAO to its reality as a state, For example, the JIA may be a parallel entity or that is a direct part of the local Directorate General of Civil Aviation..

Field inspection

Once the emergency is activated, The investigating team must arrive at the scene of the accident as soon as possible and make contact with the forces of public order or military to achieve the protection and custody of all the remains of the accident., avoiding the entry of people outside the investigation.

At this point the first general examination of the remains is carried out., provide an overview of the wreckage and its location, taking pictures of the entire place and parts of the aircraft focused on the instrument panel, flap position, undercarriage, engines, etc.

Sketch

In a timely manner, a graphic sketch should be made that illustrates the distribution of all the remains found at the site of the event., highlighting the main parts of the aircraft as well as the location of the victims and the terrain, if it could have been a potential cause of the same.

Preservation

All components found must be protected from external agents, Therefore, once the entire survey has been carried out, it will be defined to transfer the parts for a subsequent analysis and inspection, immediately notifying the owner or exploit about the choice of a specialized laboratory.

Preliminary report

With all the information collected in the first phases, the research team must make a preliminary report within a defined period of time. 72 post accident hours where findings are specified, photographs and the respective sketch.

In the event that the crashed aircraft has data and voice recorder equipment, They must be located in the shortest possible time complying with the correct handling and pack it to be sent to the specialized laboratory.

If the flight crew is available, must be submitted within 24 hours after the event to carry out the corresponding medical and psychological examinations to evaluate your continuity on the flight line.

Final report

The final report to be made must have the following sections:

• AFTN messages about ALERFA and DESTREFA
• Dispatch Document:
  • Passengers list, load sheet, weight and balance manifest, tank receipts.
  • Reports from the crew and the firm of the dispatch.
• Air Traffic Document:
  • Flight plan, Signals Journal, freezing and transcription of communications, METAR.
• Crew Documents:
  • Technical and medical licenses, total flight hours, total hours on the team, hours flown in the last 90, 30 and 3 days, due date of the last annual check-up.
• Documents about the aircraft:
  • Copies of the registration and airworthiness certificates, maintenance records, recent flight book sheets 30 days.
• Witness statement: All witness statements that can be taken at the scene of the accident and at the Company.
• Recordings documents:
  • Fuel laboratory analysis, oil and tests that have been carried out in banks and authorized laboratories.
• The draft final report must be drawn up following the parameters established for this purpose in the Annex 13 from ICAO.

Who participates in the investigation of a plane crash?

• Agency responsible for the country where the event took place.
• Aircraft manufacturer.
• Agency of a second country if the nationality of the aircraft was different from the country of the event.
• Others by invitation of the responsible agency.

This point being able to vary and the participation of all entities is not mandatory.

How long does it take to create the final report of a plane crash?

There is no maximum time, given the complexity of some air accidents, having a compliance time could hinder its correct development.

Some countries have implemented maximum times to their local regulations.

Who should submit the final report of a plane crash?

The respective aeronautical authority or investigating board shall be the only official information medium and delivery of the respective reports of an investigation.

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