aaiB

AAIB stands for Aircraft Accident Investigation Branch. It is a government agency in the United Kingdom responsible for investigating civil aircraft accidents and serious incidents in order to improve aviation safety. The AAIB operates independently of law enforcement and the civil aviation regulator and reports to the Department for Transport. Its remit covers accidents and serious incidents within UK airspace and involving UK-registered aircraft, as well as certain international incidents with UK links.

Investigations are conducted by trained investigators who examine wreckage, flight recorders, maintenance records, weather data, and witness accounts. The aim is to identify the sequence of events, contributing factors, and safety recommendations. The output is an official investigative report that includes factual information, analysis, conclusions, and safety recommendations. The AAIB's remit is safety improvement rather than assignment of blame, and it may publish safety recommendations to prevent recurrence.

International cooperation: The AAIB engages with other national investigation authorities and with international bodies such as ICAO. It shares findings and contributes to global aviation safety knowledge, including through participation in cooperative investigations and safety bulletins.

History and oversight: The AAIB has evolved from earlier UK accident investigation bodies and operates under the umbrella of the Department for Transport. Its activities are guided by international standards and UK law.

Note: The acronym AAIB may be used by other organizations in different countries, but in the aviation context it most commonly refers to the UK's Aircraft Accident Investigation Branch.