Written question asked by Gerald Howarth (Conservative) on Wednesday, 11 October 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 23 October 2000. It was answered by Chris Mullin (Labour) on Monday, 23 October 2000 on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, in what circumstances the Air Accidents Investigation Board investigates military accidents.

Answer: Mr. Gerald Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions in what circumstances the Air Accidents Investigation Board investigates military accidents. [134154] Mr. Mullin: The AAIB provides assistance to military Boards of Inquiry convened to investigate the circumstances of aircraft accidents under the provisions of a Memorandum of Understanding that deals with mutual assistance between the AAIB and the Royal Air Force. The formal position of the AAIB Inspector is that of an adviser to the President of the Board of Inquiry. The role usually extends to providing assistance with the detailed examination of wreckage and the replay and analysis of any flight recorders fitted to the aircraft. The Royal Air Force provides guidance to Presidents of Board of Inquiry about the circumstances in which it would be appropriate to seek the AAIB's assistance. These circumstances include accidents involving structural failure, fire in the air and any other circumstances where the immediate causes of the accident are unclear.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 355 c61W; 134154
Session: 1999-00
Subjects: Accidents Inquiries Military aircraft Air Accidents Investigation Branch
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk