Aviation accidents and incidents

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Aviation accidents and incidents refer to occurrences associated with the operation of an aircraft which take place between the time any person boards the aircraft with the intention of flight until such time as all such persons have disembarked, and in which a person is fatally or seriously injured, the aircraft sustains damage or structural failure, or the aircraft is missing or completely inaccessible.

Definitions

The terms "accident" and "incident" are defined by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). An accident is an occurrence associated with the operation of an aircraft which results in fatal or serious injury, damage or structural failure, or the aircraft being missing or completely inaccessible. An incident is an occurrence, other than an accident, associated with the operation of an aircraft that affects or could affect the safety of operations.

Causes

Aviation accidents and incidents can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Pilot error
• Mechanical failure
• Weather conditions
• Bird strike
• Human factors
• Sabotage
• Controlled flight into terrain

Investigation

The investigation of aviation accidents and incidents is typically conducted by a national or international aviation authority. In the United States, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is responsible for investigating civil aviation accidents. In the United Kingdom, the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) performs this function. The purpose of these investigations is to determine the causes of the accident or incident and to make recommendations to prevent future occurrences.

Notable Accidents and Incidents

Some of the most notable aviation accidents and incidents include:

• Hindenburg disaster
• Tenerife airport disaster
• Malaysia Airlines Flight 370
• Air France Flight 447
• September 11 attacks

Safety Improvements

Over the years, numerous safety improvements have been implemented in the aviation industry to reduce the risk of accidents and incidents. These include:

• Enhanced air traffic control systems
• Improved pilot training programs
• Advanced avionics and navigation systems
• Stricter maintenance and inspection protocols
• Development of safety management systems (SMS)

Related Pages

• Air safety
• Aviation safety
• Flight data recorder
• Cockpit voice recorder
• Aviation law
• List of accidents and incidents involving commercial aircraft

See Also

• List of accidents and incidents involving military aircraft
• List of accidents and incidents involving general aviation

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