What is the primary purpose of conducting an accident investigation?

The primary purpose of conducting an accident investigation is to prevent recurrence. Investigations focus on understanding the circumstances and contributing factors leading to an accident. By analyzing the data collected, investigators can identify root causes, system deficiencies, and human factors that played a role in the incident.

This information is vital for developing recommendations and implementing changes in policies, procedures, and safety practices aimed at mitigating similar accidents in the future. Therefore, the outcome of an investigation is not only to dissect what happened but importantly to enhance safety measures and training, ultimately reducing the likelihood of future incidents.

While establishing blame may arise during the process, it is not the intent of an investigation; rather, it's about learning from mistakes. Compensating victims and improving public relations are also important considerations in the aftermath of an accident, but they do not align with the primary objective of the investigation itself. The focus remains on ensuring that the same mistakes are not repeated, making safety the central concern in aviation and other high-risk fields.