Sri Lanka has taken a significant step towards ensuring the safety of air travel by establishing a committee to investigate aircraft accidents and incidents. The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka has created this expert committee to analyze past accidents, take precautionary measures, and conduct independent investigations into future incidents.
The Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority, P. A. Jayakantha, stated that the committee’s primary role is to investigate aircraft accidents and act as a mechanism to take over if something goes wrong. The committee will be on active duty until the Accident Investigation Act is passed, and a proper Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation Bureau is established.
The Need for a Committee to Investigate Aircraft Incidents
Sri Lanka has encountered around 2,700 minor aircraft accidents and incidents mostly on the ground in the 19 years through 2021, as per the CAA annual reports. These statistics show the urgency of having a committee that can investigate aircraft incidents and accidents to ensure that the country’s airspace is safe.
The establishment of the committee shows Sri Lanka’s commitment to improving air travel safety by identifying areas that need improvement and taking corrective measures. The team will analyze past accidents and incidents, and the findings will be used to provide better training and guidance to pilots and other aviation personnel. The committee’s work will also be essential in reducing the number of minor incidents and accidents, which can ultimately lead to more severe problems if left unchecked.
The Committee’s Mandate
The committee’s mandate is to investigate any incident or accident involving aircraft within Sri Lankan airspace. The team will investigate any incident that involves loss of life or significant property damage, as well as any incident that has the potential to cause such harm.
The committee’s work is not only limited to investigating incidents and accidents but also to take appropriate measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The committee will review aviation procedures and identify areas that need improvement. They will then make recommendations to the relevant authorities, such as the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka, to implement these changes.
The committee’s mandate also includes providing independent reports on the incidents and accidents investigated. The reports will outline the findings of the investigations and any recommendations made to prevent similar incidents in the future. These reports will be shared with the relevant authorities, including airlines, airport operators, and other stakeholders.
Training and Qualifications
The committee’s team is provided with the required training and qualifications by the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka along with an international organization, free of charge. The team members will receive comprehensive training on aviation accident investigation procedures and techniques, as well as the latest technological advancements used in aircraft accident investigations.
The team will also receive training in communication and collaboration skills to ensure effective communication with all stakeholders involved in the investigations. The training and qualifications provided to the committee members will ensure that they are adequately equipped to carry out their mandate effectively.
The establishment of the committee to investigate aircraft accidents and incidents in Sri Lanka is a significant step towards improving air travel safety in the country. The team’s mandate includes investigating incidents and accidents, identifying areas that need improvement, and making recommendations to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The team is provided with the necessary training and qualifications, ensuring that they are adequately equipped to carry out their mandate effectively. The committee’s work will undoubtedly play a crucial role in reducing the number of minor incidents and accidents and improving air travel safety in Sri Lanka.
