ABSTRACT
In common law countries, as in other States, there is a criminal police investigation, the purpose of which is to ascertain whether any crime has been committed and if a prosecution should be brought. In civil aviation accidents the coroner will usually be guided by evidence available both to the Air Accidents Investigation Branch of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions and to the police. In Scotland an investigation may be carried out by the local sheriff under the Fatal Accidents and Sudden Death Inquiry (Scotland) Act 1976. The purpose of the Investigation Directive is to improve air safety by facilitating the expeditious holding of investigations, the sole objective of which is the prevention of future accidents and incidents. The extent of investigations and procedure to be followed shall be determined by the investigating body taking into account the Investigation Directive and the lessons on safety improvement it hopes to draw from the accident or serious incident.
