ABSTRACT
Investigating an accident may have a number of different purposes depending on the type of accident. The legal approach to an investigation is to determine the parties who are at fault and to then apportion blameworthiness and liability on them, either in the form of criminal or civil liability. In aviation investigation, the investigation takes on a completely different turn, as the purpose of investigating aviation accidents is to enhance safety by identifying the circumstances that led to the accident and make safety recommendations in order to prevent a recurrence of similar accidents. It is clear that the responsibility of investigating an accident rests with different people, depending on the kind of investigation and its purpose. In aviation accidents, this responsibility rests on the relevant accident investigation body in accordance with the rules and procedures set out in International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
