ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the global accident rate, the costs of an accident, the role of search and rescue and the differences between accidents and incidents. A discussion of how aviation accidents are investigated, referring to accident investigation authorities, safety technologies, and the investigation process is included. The causal factors of aviation accidents in various sectors of the industry are explained. The chapter concludes with a case study about the Swissair 111 case, an accident that resulted in a lengthy and challenging investigation process.
