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

On September 25-27, 2017 the IAC delegation took part in annual Meeting of heads of transport accident investigation authorities under the auspices of the International Transport Safety Association, which was held in Tokyo in 2017.

Established in 1993 and currently consisting of 16 investigation authorities, the Association unites the USA National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Transportation Safety Board of Canada (CTSB), Dutch Safety Board (DSB), transport accident and incident investigation authorities of Sweden, Finland, Norway, Australia, Great Britain, New Zealand, India, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, France, Singapore and the states parties to the Interstate Agreement on Civil Aviation and Use of Airspace represented by the Interstate Aviation Committee.

Current issues related to transport safety, results of serious accident investigation, development and implementation of recommendations aimed at ensuring transport safety, and monitoring the implementation of these recommendations by state authorities were discussed at the meeting. 

The Interstate Aviation Committee presented reports on flight safety level in the States parties to the Agreement, as well as on features of event investigation occurred during search and rescue operations, firefighting, etc. During the discussion, the need to strengthen the status of independent structures from interference by judicial, executive, and prosecutorial authorities was emphasized. This status allows to conduct objective investigations and the identification of both immediate and root, systemic accident causes, without ascertaining someone’s guilt or being held hostage to narrow interests. Participants also emphasized the data protection (including audio and video recorders) from improper use during transport accident investigations and the use of this information for accident prevention programs within the risk management system. Recently, participants have expressed concern over cases of individuals with serious illnesses and those driving while intoxicated. Participants emphasized the need for international cooperation in legislative activities and the exchange of information on transport safety medical support.  

The next meeting is scheduled to be held in Baku in May 2018.