About the annual Meeting of heads of transport accident investigation bodies (ITSA)

From 25 to 27 September IAC delegation took part in annual Meeting of heads of transport accident investigation bodies under the auspices of the International Transport Safety Association which was held in Tokyo this year.

Established in 1993 year and consisting of 16 investigation authorities so far Association comprises USA National Transport Safety Board (NTSB), Canada Transportation Safety Board (CTSB), Dutch Safety Board (DSB), transport accident and incident investigation bodies of Sweden, Finland, Norway, Australia, Great-Britain, New Zeeland, India, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, France, Singapore and contracting states of the Interstate Agreement on Civil Aviation and Use of Airspace represented by Interstate Aviation Committee. 

During meeting relevant topics of transport safety promotion, results of severe accidents investigation, practice in the field of recommendations development and implementation aimed at transport safety promotion, monitoring of such recommendations implementation by state authorities were discussed. 

Interstate Aviation Committee presented reports on flight safety level in contracting states of the Agreement and also features of events investigation occurred in the course of search and rescue operations, firefighting, etc. Need for strengthening the status of independent structures independence from interference of judicial bodies, executive and prosecutorial authorities was emphasized during the discussion. Such status allows to conduct objective researches and identify both immediate and root, systemic accident causes without ascertaining someone’s guilt and not being the hostage to narrow preoccupations. Participants were also focused on data protection (including audio and video recorders) from improper use during transport accident investigation, use of this information for accident prevention program within the framework of risk management system. Recently the concern of participants has been events of vehicles driving by people with serious diseases and under influence of alcohol and psychotropic substances. Participants emphasized the need of international cooperation in the field of legislative activity and information change in the field of transport safety medical support.  

The next meeting is scheduled to take place in Baku in May 2018.