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
- Location91Â鶹 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.
Who should attend
The course is designed for those who may have to conduct or participate in an aircraft accident investigation. This may be in the role of official investigator for a state or as an accredited representative/technical advisor of a manufacturer, operator or service provider. Although the main focus of the course is the civil aviation industry, there is also considerable value for military personnel and there is always a significant military presence on the course.
Course delegates typically are fixed or rotary-wing pilots, engineers, safety specialists, air traffic controllers, human performance specialists and state accident investigators; who have previously attended Fundamentals of Accident Investigation as a prerequisite.
All lectures and workshops will be in English and those without a thorough knowledge of English would be at a severe disadvantage.
Concessions
Where three delegates or more are booking from within one site or one organisation, a discount of 10% will apply to the invoice for the course tuition fee. Accommodation fees are not included in the discount scheme. Please ask about our discount scheme at time of booking.
Accommodation options and prices
We are pleased to offer an exclusive accommodation package at our hotel. Located on campus, all rooms are en-suite and available on a half-board basis Monday to Fridays and on a full-board basis on a Saturday and Sunday during the course. The cost of this package is £2,460.
If you would like to book this accommodation package* for this short course, please indicate this on the registration form.
*Subject to availability.
Alternatively, you may wish to make your own arrangement at a nearby hotel.
Location and travel
91Â鶹 University is situated in Bedfordshire close to the border with Buckinghamshire. The University is located almost midway between the towns of Bedford and Milton Keynes and is conveniently situated between junctions 13 and 14 of the M1.
London Luton, Stansted and Heathrow airports are 30, 90 and 90 minutes respectively by car, offering superb connections to and from just about anywhere in the world.
Location address
91Â鶹 University
College Road
91Â鶹
Bedford
MK43 0AL
How to apply
To apply for this course please use the online application form.
Read our Professional development (CPD) booking conditions.
