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Air Law

1.7 Investigations related to aircraft accidents

Below are definitions for the terms "aircraft accident" and "aviation incident."

1.7.1 Aircraft accident

An accident is an event that occurs during the operation of an aircraft, from the

time a person boards the aircraft with the intention to fly, until all persons have

disembarked, and where:

a. A person is killed or seriously injured as a result of being in or on the

aircraft, or by direct contact with the aircraft or anything associated with

it, or
b. The aircraft is exposed to danger or structural damage that reduces the

strength of the structure or the aircraft's flight characteristics, and which
normally requires major repairs or replacement of the affected parts, or

c. The aircraft is missing or completely inaccessible.

1.7.2 Aviation incidents and air traffic incidents

A distinction is made between aviation incidents and air traffic incidents.

While an aviation incident is similar to an accident but not as severe, an air

traffic incident is more generally related to air traffic service regulations.

1.7.2.1 Aviation incident

An aviation incident is an event that is not an accident but occurs in connection

with the operation of an aircraft and has an effect on, or could affect, the safety
of the operation of the aircraft.

Refer to EU Regulation 376/2014, which we recommend reviewing.

Flight Theory PPL(A)(UL)/LAPL Henning Andersen, Midtjysk Flyveskole© 2025 102