BAGAIA pushes for independent Accident Investigation Authorities

Sade Williams/Business a.m. 

The Banjul Accord Group Accident Investigation Agency (BAGAIA) has stressed the importance of independent Accident Investigation Authorities to enhance aviation safety.

Despite challenges such as funding and adherence to resolutions, BAGAIA sees numerous opportunities for improvement through partnerships, the agency said in a statement, adding that these opportunities, highlighted in a recent presentation, provide member states with practical pathways to strengthen aviation oversight.

Commissioner Charles Irikefe Erhueh delivered this message during his presentation at the International Society of Air Safety Investigators (ISASI) seminar in Marriott Lisbon Hotel, Portugal, from October 1-3, 2024. Over 300 delegates attended the event, which aimed to foster collaboration and learning in the global aviation community. ISASI is dedicated to advancing air safety by promoting the exchange of ideas, experiences, and information about aircraft accident investigation and safety management.

In his presentation titled, “The Benefits of BAGAIA Assistance Missions to States in the AFI Region and Beyond”, Erhueh emphasised the importance of BAGAIA’s role in enhancing aviation safety through collaborative efforts. He also addressed the challenges that states face in creating independent Accident Investigation Authorities (AIAs), including political resistance, a lack of skilled personnel, and slow legislative processes. Nonetheless, he highlighted that BAGAIA remains committed to helping states establish these vital bodies.

Erhueh stressed the importance of partnerships, expanded membership, and improved funding access across member states, noting also that while some states face difficulties, the creation of independent AIAs remains essential for objective accident investigations.

“Many states are reluctant to establish independent bodies due to fears of job loss among civil servants and resistance from civil aviation authorities,” he said, adding that this reluctance, however, must be overcome to meet international standards and enhance regional cooperation.

In addition to highlighting the challenges, Erhueh outlined the objectives of BAGAIA’s technical assistance missions to member and non-member states, pointing out that these missions align with ICAO’s Annex 13, which sets the global standard for investigating aircraft accidents and serious incidents.

Over the years, the BAGAIA region has conducted 59 accident investigations, 61 serious incident investigations, and issued 287 safety recommendations. Through this work, the agency has contributed significantly to improving aviation safety across the region.

He concluded by urging both member and non-member states to institutionalise or join regional accident investigation bodies like BAGAIA. This would not only help states meet their international obligations but also improve their overall aviation safety oversight capabilities. Partnerships, access to funding, and expanded membership, as emphasised throughout the presentation, remain crucial for achieving these goals.