FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT DOES THE ACRONYM AIB STAND FOR

Accident Investigation Bureau

Q IS THERE ANY NUMBER TO REACH AIB IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT?

Yes! Call any of these telephone numbers : 08077090908, 08077090909, 08077090928 Or fill our online accident reporting form

Q HOW IS IT DECIDED WHICH STATES WILL PARTICIPATE IN AN AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION?

Article 26 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention) states that, in the event of an accident to an aircraft of a Contracting State occurring in another Contracting State, and involving either death, serious injury, or serious technical defect in the aircraft or air navigation facilities, the State in which the accident occurs will institute an inquiry into the circumstances of the accident.

Annex 13 (Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation) to the Convention provides further international requirements for the investigation of aircraft accidents and incidents. It spells out which States may participate in an investigation, such as the States of Occurrence, Registry, Operator, Design and Manufacture. It also defines the rights and responsibilities of such States.

The State of Occurrence may delegate all or part of the investigation to another State or a regional accident and incident investigation organization, and may call on the best technical expertise available from any source to assist with the investigation. States of Registry, Operator, Design and Manufacture who participate in an investigation are entitled to appoint an accredited representative (with or without associated advisers) to take part in the investigation.

A State which has a special interest in an accident, by virtue of fatalities or serious injuries to its citizens for instance, is entitled to appoint an expert entitled to: visit the scene of the accident; have access to the relevant factual information which is approved for public release by the State conducting the investigation, and information on the progress of the investigation; receive a copy of the accident investigation Final Report. ICAO officials only participate in accident investigations upon special request from the State responsible for conducting the investigation.

Q. WHAT INFORMATION TO GIVE THE AIB?

The AIB will need to know as much of the following information as possible:

The type, model, nationality and registration marks of the aircraft;
The names of the owner, operator and hirer (if any) of the aircraft;
The name of the commander of the aircraft;
The date and time (UTC) of the accident or serious incident;
The last point of departure and the next point of intended landing of the aircraft;
The number of :
Crew on board and the number killed or seriously injured;
Passengers on board and the number killed or seriously injured;
Other persons killed or seriously injured as a result of the accident.
The nature of the accident or serious incident and the extent of damage as far as is known.

The position/location of the aircraft and physical characteristics of the occurrence area

Q IS AIB RESPONSIBLE FOR ROAD ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION?

No, AIB only investigates civil aircraft accidents or incidents

Q HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU HAVE TO REPORT AN ACCIDENT?

Report it immediately!

Q. WHAT KINDS OF OCCURRENCES SHOULD I REPORT TO THE ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION BUREAU (AIB)?

The following civil aircraft accidents and serious incidents should be reported immediately:

Any accident, serious incident and incidents (involving circumstances indicating that there was a high probability of an accident)

Q. WHAT ARE A STATE’S REPORTING OBLIGATIONS DURING AND AFTER AN AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION?

Under Annex 13 to the Chicago Convention, States in charge of an investigation must submit a Preliminary Report to ICAO within thirty days of the date of the accident, unless the Accident/Incident Data Report has been sent by that time. Preliminary Reports may be marked as confidential or remain public at the investigating State’s discretion.

The State conducting the investigation of an accident or incident shall also make the Final Report publicly available as soon as possible and, if possible, within twelve months.

If the report cannot be made publicly available within twelve months, the State conducting the investigation shall make an interim statement publicly available on each anniversary of the occurrence – detailing the progress of the investigation and any safety issues identified.

For accidents or incidents involving an aircraft of a maximum mass over 5 700 kg, States in charge of an Annex 13 investigation must submit a copy of the accident investigation Final Report to ICAO.

Q WHERE CAN I OBTAIN AN ACCIDENT/INCIDENT REPORTING FORM?

Accidents or incidents must be reported just after it had occurred as only an Accident Investigator can give permission to remove or recover the wreckage or aircraft. Anyone who needs an accident or incident reporting form should download it here or fill an online accident reporting form on our website

Q. HOW CAN A COPY OF AN ACCIDENT REPORT BE OBTAINED?

Accident reports are available on the AIB website. Complete reports can also be obtained by submitting a written request to the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB).

Q. WHO MUST REPORT AN AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT OR SERIOUS INCIDENT?

The following people must notify the AIB without delay if they have knowledge of an aircraft accidents or serious incidents which occurred in any part of Nigeria:

The crew of the aircraft;
The owner of the aircraft;
The operator of the aircraft;
People involved in the maintenance, design, or manufacture of the aircraft;
People involved in the training of the aircraft’s crew;
People involved in providing air traffic control, flight information services to the aircraft;
Staff of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority;
and
The general public/Eye witnesses