This course builds on the Fundamentals of Accident Investigation course to further develop the particular skills required for aircraft accident investigations and draws upon the experience of the aviation industry to give an in-depth view of the aircraft accident investigation process.

The course content was carefully developed in close collaboration with the aircraft accident investigation community, including the UK’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch, and with the endorsement of the Centre’s Industry Advisory Board.

The course runs twice yearly in June and October and is scheduled to follow directly on from the May or September Fundamentals of Accident Investigation course to facilitate a 6-week study package if required.

The course concentrates on applying techniques to the specialised aspects of aviation accidents and serious incidents.

A major element of the course is a five-day simulation exercise.  The exercise covers many aspects including:  team management; accident site management; accident site safety; evidence planning and collection; accident site photography; witness interviewing; media management, tear down and testing, working with recorded data; documentation investigation; analysis techniques; formal report writing and development of safety recommendations.

The course includes the opportunity to visit the UK’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch’s (AAIB) Head Quarters in Farnborough including tours of their investigation facilities and data recovery laboratory.

 

At a glance

  • Dates
    • 01 - 19 Jun 2026
    • 05 - 23 Oct 2026
  • DurationThree weeks
  • Location成人抖阴 campus
  • Cost

    £5,940
    The course fee includes refreshments and lunch during the day. Accommodation is not included and must be booked separately.



    Concessions available

Course structure

The course features lectures, tutorials and practical training, including a five-day simulation of an aircraft accident investigation. The course is formally assessed and, when combined with our Fundamentals of Accident Investigation course, completes the core element of our MSc in Safety and Accident Investigation. 

What you will learn

On successful completion of the course, you will be able to:

  • Appraise different accident analysis techniques in context of their underlying theories.
  • Determine technique(s) to be used in analysing evidence in accident investigation appropriately.
  • Identify evidence, and areas of further investigation, drawing conclusions using selected accident analysis technique(s).
  • Identify areas to be addressed by safety recommendations and develop the recommendations in accordance with applicable standards and good practice guidelines.
  • Compose a written work that reflects the analysis, conclusions and recommendations conducted using the analysis technique in accordance with applicable standards and good practice guidelines.

Core content

  • Management of complex investigations.
  • Investigation of military aircraft accidents.
  • Investigating operational accidents.
  • Investigating technical accidents.
  • Cabin safety investigations.
  • Investigation of aircraft structural failures.
  • Aircraft powerplant investigations.
  • Investigating with recorded data.
  • Investigating survivability.
  • Impact and flight path assessment.
  • Aviation operational and engineering human factors.
  • Enhanced interview techniques.
  • Applied analysis methods.
  • Working with State-accredited representatives.
  • Working with the regulator.
  • A major manufacturer’s perspective.
  • Five-day accident simulation exercise.
  • Working with the media.
  • ICAO annex 13 report writing.
  • Visit to UK AAIB and UK Defence AIB.

Upgrade to a professional qualification

All of the short courses within the Safety and Accident Investigation Centre are available as standalone courses. Our postgraduate programme in Safety and Accident Investigation allows you to combine many of our courses towards a part-time postgraduate qualification.