About

The Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority (NSIA) is a public investigation body. The purpose of the NSIA’s investigations is to elucidate matters deemed to be important to the prevention of accidents and serious incidents. It is not the NSIA’s task to apportion blame or liability under criminal or civil law.

The NSIA’s values are that the organisation shall be competent, innovative, credible and compassionate. 

Historic development of the NSIA up until today:

Before 1989
Ad hoc committees of inquiry were established following aviation accidents to look into the sequence of events, causes and responsibilities (the Aviation Accident Committee). The committees had no permanent premises and were often made up of individuals affiliated to the Norwegian Air Traffic and Airport Management (presently known as Avinor) and the Armed Forces.

1989
The Accident Investigation Board for Civil Aviation (HSL) was established on 10 July 1989 with permanent employees, in line with the international aviation organisation ICAO’s established template.

1999
The Accident Investigation Board for Civil Aviation (HSL) was established as a separate agency under the Ministry of Transport and Communications.

2002
The organisation’s mandate was expanded to include accidents and serious incidents in the railway sector. The name was changed to the Accident Investigation Board for Civil Aviation and Railways (HSLB).

2005
The organisation’s mandate was expanded to also include investigation of accidents and serious incidents in connection with road traffic, and the name was changed to the Accident Investigation Board Norway (AIBN).

2008
The AIBN’s mandate was expanded to also include investigation of marine accidents and serious incidents. At the same time, the Institute of Maritime Enquiry and the Permanent Investigation Board for Special Accidents in the Fisheries Fleet were dissolved.

2020
The AIBN’s mandate was expanded to also include investigation of accidents and serious incidents in the defence sector, and the Norwegian name of the agency was shortened to Statens havarikommisjon (SHK). The new english name is: Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority (NSIA). On the same date, the Defence Accident Investigation Board Norway (DAIBN) was dissolved.

2024
On 1 January, the NSIA’s mandate was expanded to also include investigations of accidents and serious incidents in three new areas: ropeways, amusement devices and space activities.