EC looks to streamline accident investigations

European Commission adopted a proposal establishing new rules that aim to improve accident investigation coordination, asserting that the current 15-year-old system "functions below optimum efficiency." The new regulation also strengthens victims' rights and increases access to information and the right to assistance.

The EC opted not to establish a European Civil Aviation Safety Board, the option preferred by the industry (especially OEMs) but one that was "controversial" among member states that insisted on maintaining their oversight over accident investigation. Instead, it opted for a so-called European Network of Civil Aviation Safety Investigation based on the existing voluntary cooperation among the national authorities comprising the Council of European Aviation Safety Investigation Authorities. The Network is charged with strengthening cooperation among member states, the EC and EASA and implementing initiatives such as coordination of training activities and sharing of investigation resources. To address the drawbacks inherent in the Network's voluntary framework, the EC's proposal contains legal obligations on some principles, including the protection of sensitive safety information, mutual rights and obligations of national authorities and EASA and implementation of safety recommendations.