Investigating accidents

The investigators

Vauxhall crane accident, 16 January 2013

Agusta A109E G-CRST (owner Castle Air, operator Rotormotion) struck the jib of a crane at St George Wharf, Vauxhall, at about 700 ft amsl in reduced visibility at 0759; the pilot and a pedestrian were killed. AAIB Aircraft Accident Report 3/2014, published 9 September 2014. Causal: pilot turned onto a collision course with the crane and was probably unaware of proximity; pilot did not see the crane or saw it too late. Contributory: continued toward London Heliport despite being unable to remain clear of cloud. Ten Safety Recommendations (2014-025 to 2014-034): ANSPs to assess effect of notified obstacles on VFR routes and controlling non-IFR flights (025, 026); DfT to implement UK-wide obstacle data reporting (027) and remind planners to notify CAA of new obstacles (028; 029 for Scotland); DfT to let CAA assess en-route obstacles before planning permission (030); CAA/EASA to review FAR Part 135 rules 135.615 and 135.617 (031, 032); CAA/EASA to assess mandating HTAWS (033, 034). Source

AAIB report page

GOV.UK page lists the three findings and ten recommendations. The page shows 25 November 2015 as a date (probably last updated, not first published; the PDF states 9 September 2014). Source

Mandatory occurrence reporting

Retained Regulation (EU) No 376/2014 art 4: mandatory reporting of occurrences that could seriously affect safety, within 72 hours of becoming aware; pilot in command reports (or another crew member). The CAA runs the UK reporting system. Source

AAIB legal basis

The Civil Aviation (Investigation of Air Accidents and Incidents) Regulations 2018 (SI 2018/321) govern AAIB investigations (the regulation on the duty to investigate was not identified; reg 5 is the revocation provision). Cite instrument only. Source