Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is India’s specialised body for investigating civil aircraft accidents and serious incidents. Functioning as an attached office of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, it seeks to identify causes and improve aviation safety rather than determine criminal or civil liability.

Legal and institutional basis

The Bureau performs its functions under the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2017 and is headed by a Director General. Its investigation framework follows the principles of ICAO Annex 13, which governs international cooperation in aircraft accident investigation.

Core mandate

• It institutes and conducts investigations into accidents and serious incidents falling within the jurisdiction assigned by the Rules.
• It determines the circumstances, causes and contributing factors behind an occurrence through examination of wreckage, records, flight recorders and other relevant evidence.
• It publishes investigation reports and makes safety recommendations intended to prevent similar occurrences.
• It maintains accident and incident information, undertakes safety studies and processes safety recommendations arising from investigations.
• It represents or assists India in investigations conducted by other states where India is entitled to participate under international rules.

Nature of its role

AAIB is an investigative safety body, not an aviation regulator or a court. Its sole investigative objective is prevention of future accidents and incidents, not the apportionment of blame or liability; regulatory oversight and enforcement remain distinct from its safety investigation.