Aviation accident investigation is one of the core areas of activity and essential functions of the Transport Accident and Incident Investigation Bureau.
The implementation of state administrative functions in the safety investigation of aviation accidents and serious incidents is carried out by the Aviation Accident and Incident Investigation Division of the Transport Accident and Incident Investigation Bureau. This is done in accordance with Annexes 13 and 19 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation, Regulation (EU) No 996/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 October 2010 on the investigation and prevention of accidents and incidents in civil aviation (repealing Directive 94/56/EC), Article 6 of the Law "On Aviation", and Cabinet Regulation No. 423 of 31 May 2011 "Procedures for the Investigation of Civil Aviation Accidents and Incidents".
The division carries out safety investigations of aviation accidents and serious incidents within the territory of Latvia independently from aviation authorities responsible for airworthiness, certification, flight operations, aircraft maintenance, licensing, air traffic management, airport operations, or any other bodies whose interests or functions may conflict with the safety investigation’s objectives or compromise its impartiality.
The purpose of safety investigations is to prevent the recurrence of accidents and incidents in the future. These investigations do not aim to apportion blame or determine liability, as such responsibilities fall under the competence of other institutions (as per EU Regulation No 996/2010).
To keep the public informed about the general level of aviation safety, an annual safety review is published. These analyses are presented without disclosing sources of confidential information (as per EU Regulation No 996/2010).
In accordance with international standards and recommended practices, as well as national legislation, the specialists of the Aviation Accident and Incident Investigation Division:
- Conduct safety investigations of aviation accidents and serious incidents that occur within Latvia and participate in investigations abroad that involve Latvian interests. This includes cases involving aircraft operated, registered, designed, or manufactured in Latvia.
- Ensure that each investigation conducted under Annex 13 is separate from legal or administrative proceedings aimed at determining guilt or liability, while coordinating their work with other involved authorities in accordance with established inter-agency cooperation agreements.
- Prepare final investigation reports and, where necessary, issue safety recommendations to prevent future aviation accidents and serious incidents.
Report aviation accidents and serious incidents occurring in the territory of Latvia to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and the Minister of Transport.