Cranfield University

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Course description

In response to the changing demands of investigation, the first 3 weeks of the course has been revised to focus on the fundamentals skills required by an accident investigator. It draws upon the experiences of air, marine and rail transport to give a balanced view of the accident investigation process. The second 3 weeks concentrates on some of the more specialized technical details of aircraft accident investigation and includes a week-long simulated accident investigation to apply the new skills learned.

Who should attend?

The course is designed for those who may have to conduct, or participate in, an aircraft accident investigation. This may be in the role of official investigator for a state or as an accredited representative of a manufacturer, operator or service provider. Although the main focus of the course is the civil aviation industry, there is also considerable value for military personnel and there is always a significant military presence on the course.

Course delegates normally include fixed and rotary-wing pilots, engineers, air traffic controllers and state accident investigators.

All lectures and workshops will be in English and due to the intensity of the course those without a thorough knowledge of English would be at a severe disadvantage. There are no formal qualifications for entry, but course numbers are limited and preference will be given to applicants best able to benefit fully from the course.

Cranfield is a corporate member of both the Flight Safety Foundation and the International Society of Air Safety Investigators. We pride ourselves on our close relationship with the aviation safety community and our ability to meet the needs of investigators and their organisations.

Course structure

The six week course is made up of two key elements:

Module 1 - Fundamentals of Investigation

• Appraisal of the accident site
• Disaster response
• Recovery of wreckage
• Collection of evidence
• Interviewing techniques
• Structures and crashworthiness
• Physiology, psychology and ergonomics
• Passenger behaviour / survivability
• Media management
• Accident pathology
• Court procedures for investigators
• Data recorders and their analysis
• Analytical techniques
• Systemic approach to investigation
• Managing investigations
• Liaising with victims and their families
• Relations with the regulator / interested parties
• Developing and managing recommendations Report writing Follow-up actions
• The future of investigation.

The module also features a number of major case studies presented by investigators and a number of practical exercises including a ‘look and record’ field exercise and visit to Qinetiq at Farnborough.

Module 2 - Applied Aircraft Accident Investigation Techniques

• ICAO Annex 13
• Aircraft structures
• Aircraft performance and its measurement
• In-flight breakup and flight path analysis
• Helicopter accidents
• Helicopter health monitoring systems
• Light aircraft accidents
• Investigation of military aircraft accidents
• Aircraft systems, wiring, engines and fuels
• Lightning related accidents
• The airline's response Ramp investigations
• Maintenance investigations
• Cabin safety investigations
• Fires Sabotage and explosives
• Advanced investigation management
• Air traffic control investigations
• Advanced human factors
• The manufacturer’s view
• Overseas investigation experiences

This module also features a number of major case studies and a number of practical exercises including a week-long investigation simulation and a day-long investigation management exercise. A visit to the Air Accidents Investigation Branch at Farnborough and Royal Navy Flight Safety and Accident Investigation Centre at Yeovilton is also included.

Course Directors

Professor Graham Braithwaite
Director, Safety and Accident Investigation Centre 
Cranfield University
T: +44 1234 754252
E: g.r.braithwaite@cranfield.ac.uk

Yani Asmayawati
T: +44 (0) 1234 754246
E: s.asmayawati@cranfield.ac.uk