New Rules Targeted At Prevention, Not Blame, In Accidents

The Allied Pilots Association (APA) on Wednesday expressed support for the European Commission's approval of a new regulation on the investigation and prevention of accidents. Among other stipulations, the EC regulation affirms that the sole objective of accident investigation is to prevent future accidents without attributing blame or liability.

“We commend the European Commission for ensuring that the focus of the accident-investigation process is placed where it should be—on identifying causal factors to help prevent a recurrence," said APA President Captain David Bates. "Accident investigations should not be about assigning blame or determining liability."

A number of recent accident investigations in various countries have resulted in criminal charges against pilots, air traffic controllers and other workers. This trend has been strongly opposed by pilot unions and other subject-matter experts routinely involved in the accident-investigation process.

"Criminalization is bound to have a chilling effect on accident investigators' ability to do their jobs properly," Bates said. "The threat of criminal prosecution is not conducive to effective accident investigation, which depends on the full and willing disclosure of relevant information by all interested parties.

"The European Commission regulation on aviation accident investigation represents an important precedent for regulators around the world."

FMI: www.alliedpilots.org