The Banjul Accord Group Accident Investigation Agency (BAGAIA) has stressed the critical role of independent accident investigation authorities in bolstering aviation safety.
Despite challenges such as funding constraints and adherence to resolutions, BAGAIA sees significant opportunities for improvement through strategic partnerships.
These opportunities, according to the commissioner BAGAIA Engr. Charles Erhueh during his presentation at the International Society of Air Safety Investigators (ISASI) seminar in Lisbon, Portugal, offer practical pathways for member states to strengthen their aviation oversight capabilities.
In his presentation titled “The Benefits of BAGAIA Assistance Missions to States in the AFI Region and Beyond,” Engr. Erhueh emphasized BAGAIA’s pivotal role in enhancing aviation safety through collaborative efforts.
He also addressed the challenges faced by states in establishing independent accident investigation authorities (AIAs), including political resistance, a lack of skilled personnel, and slow legislative processes.
The BAGAIA Commissioner stressed the importance of partnerships, expanded membership, and improved funding access across member states. He noted that while some states encounter difficulties, the creation of independent AIAs is 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 urged both member and non-member states to institutionalize or join regional accident investigation bodies like BAGAIA.
The seminar which kicked off October 1 will end October 3, 2024, attracted over 300 delegates from the global aviation community.
ISASI is dedicated to advancing air safety through the exchange of knowledge and experiences related to aircraft accident investigation and safety management.
