Aviation

The Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority’s (NSIA) responsibility to investigate aviation accidents dates back to 1923. The Accident Investigation Board for Civil Aviation, as it was then called, was established in 1989, and aviation was the only field under its authority until 2002.

What we do

The NSIA’s Aviation Department is responsible for investigating both civilian and military aviation accidents and serious aviation incidents. The Department’s work is led by Director Kåre Halvorsen, and carried out by staff with relevant aviation expertise.

The investigations aim to clarify the sequence of events and causal factors, as well as investigate factors that can prevent accidents and incidents in order to improve aviation safety. Investigations do not seek to apportion blame or liability.

The NSIA investigates all accidents and serious aviation incidents, but determines the scope of such investigations itself. The NSIA considers the expected safety benefits of the investigation in relation to the resources it requires when determining which cases to investigate. The parties involved are notified when an investigation is initiated.

Why do we have an independent investigative authority?

Independent investigations are a means of ensuring learning after incidents and accidents, with the aim of preventing similar incidents and maintaining or increasing the level of safety. The NSIA does not apportion blame or liability under criminal or civil law. Investigations are conducted independently of other investigations or inquiries that are wholly or partly conducted for such purposes. The NSIA’s investigation reports are not to be used for purposes other than preventive safety work.

Laws and regulations

The obligation to notify the NSIA of aviation accidents and serious aviation incidents is described in Chapter XII of the Norwegian Aviation Act, and the regulations on the obligation to notify and report aviation accidents and aviation incidents. The provisions of EU Regulation 376/2014 (the Reporting Regulation) are included in the Aviation Act.

The Aviation Department’s investigations of accidents and serious incidents are based on the framework laid down in Annex 13 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation, which Norway endorsed in 1944. Civil activities are regulated by the Act relating to Aviation (Aviation Act) of 1993 and pertaining regulations. The Aviation Act is based on Annex 13, and EU Regulation EU 996/2010 (the Investigation Regulation). Military activities are regulated by the Defence Accident Investigation Act (in Norwegian only) and pertaining regulations.