The AAIB conducts investigations defined under one of two categories; "Accident" or "Serious Incident". An "Accident" occurs where a person suffers a fatal or serious injury, the aircraft sustains damage or structural failure which adversely affects its performance, or where the aircraft is missing or inaccessible. A "Serious Incident" means an incident where an accident nearly occurred.
The AAIB is responsible for the investigation of civil aircraft accidents and serious incidents within the UK and its overseas territories
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch has its head office in the Farnborough House