What is the main purpose of accident investigation?

The main purpose of accident investigation is to prevent recurrence of incidents. This principle is central to aviation safety. When an accident occurs, investigators analyze the circumstances and contributing factors in order to identify not only what went wrong but also why it happened. The ultimate goal is to gather insights and develop recommendations that can lead to changes in procedures, regulations, training, or equipment, thus ensuring that similar incidents do not happen in the future.

This focus on prevention is essential in the aviation industry, where safety is paramount. By addressing root causes and systemic issues, accident investigations contribute to a culture of continuous improvement in safety practices. This process helps create a safer flying environment for everyone.

In contrast, assigning blame to pilots does not serve the primary aim of learning from incidents. While understanding human factors is important, the goal is not punitive but rather constructive. Improving aircraft design is certainly a benefit that may emerge from the investigation findings, but it is not the main focus. Additionally, training emergency responders is crucial, yet it is a separate function from the long-term goal of preventing similar accidents in aviation.