Fri, Sep 24, 2010
New Rules Targeted At Prevention, Not Blame, In Accidents
The Allied Pilots Association (APA) on Wednesday expressed
support for the European Commission's approval of a new regulation
on the investigation and prevention of accidents. Among other
stipulations, the EC regulation affirms that the sole objective of
accident investigation is to prevent future accidents without
attributing blame or liability.
“We commend the European Commission for ensuring that the
focus of the accident-investigation process is placed where it
should be—on identifying causal factors to help prevent a
recurrence," said APA President Captain David Bates. "Accident
investigations should not be about assigning blame or determining
liability."
A number of recent accident investigations in various countries
have resulted in criminal charges against pilots, air traffic
controllers and other workers. This trend has been strongly opposed
by pilot unions and other subject-matter experts routinely involved
in the accident-investigation process.
"Criminalization is bound to have a chilling effect on accident
investigators' ability to do their jobs properly," Bates said. "The
threat of criminal prosecution is not conducive to effective
accident investigation, which depends on the full and willing
disclosure of relevant information by all interested parties.
"The European Commission regulation on aviation accident
investigation represents an important precedent for regulators
around the world."
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