Program Overview

Applied Aircraft Accident Investigation

The Applied Aircraft Accident Investigation course is designed to further develop the skills required for aircraft accident investigations, drawing on the experience of the aviation industry to provide an in-depth view of the aircraft accident investigation process.

Course Overview

The course concentrates on applying techniques to the specialized aspects of aviation accidents and serious incidents. A major element of the course is a five-day simulation exercise, covering many aspects, including team management, accident site management, accident site safety, evidence planning and collection, accident site photography, witness interviewing, media management, tear down and testing, working with recorded data, documentation investigation, analysis techniques, formal report writing, and development of safety recommendations.

Course Structure

The course features lectures, tutorials, and practical training, including a five-day simulation of an aircraft accident investigation. The course is formally assessed and, when combined with the Fundamentals of Accident Investigation course, completes the core element of the MSc in Safety and Accident Investigation.

What You Will Learn

On successful completion of the course, you will be able to:

• Appraise different accident analysis techniques in the context of their underlying theories.
• Determine technique(s) to be used in analyzing evidence in accident investigation appropriately.
• Identify evidence, and areas of further investigation, drawing conclusions using selected accident analysis technique(s).
• Identify areas to be addressed by safety recommendations and develop the recommendations in accordance with applicable standards and good practice guidelines.
• Compose a written work that reflects the analysis, conclusions, and recommendations conducted using the analysis technique in accordance with applicable standards and good practice guidelines.

Core Content

The course covers the following topics:

• Management of complex investigations.
• Investigation of military aircraft accidents.
• Investigating operational accidents.
• Investigating technical accidents.
• Cabin safety investigations.
• Investigation of aircraft structural failures.
• Aircraft powerplant investigations.
• Investigating with recorded data.
• Investigating survivability.
• Impact and flight path assessment.
• Aviation operational and engineering human factors.
• Enhanced interview techniques.
• Applied analysis methods.
• Working with State-accredited representatives.
• Working with the regulator.
• A major manufacturer's perspective.
• Five-day accident simulation exercise.
• Working with the media.
• ICAO annex 13 report writing.
• Visit to UK AAIB and UK Defence AIB.

Upgrade to a Professional Qualification

All of the short courses within the Safety and Accident Investigation Centre are available as standalone courses. The postgraduate program in Safety and Accident Investigation allows you to combine many of these courses towards a part-time postgraduate qualification.

Who Should Attend

The course is designed for those who may have to conduct or participate in an aircraft accident investigation, including official investigators for a state or accredited representatives/technical advisors of a manufacturer, operator, or service provider. Although the main focus of the course is the civil aviation industry, there is also considerable value for military personnel.

Concessions

A discount of 10% will apply to the invoice for the course tuition fee where three delegates or more are booking from within one site or one organization. Accommodation fees are not included in the discount scheme.

Accommodation Options and Prices

An exclusive accommodation package is available at the Mitchell Hall hotel, located on campus, with all rooms en-suite and available on a half-board basis Monday to Fridays and on a full-board basis on Saturdays and Sundays during the course. The cost of this package is £2,460.

Location and Travel

Cranfield University is situated in Bedfordshire, close to the border with Buckinghamshire, and is conveniently located between junctions 13 and 14 of the M1. London Luton, Stansted, and Heathrow airports are 30, 90, and 90 minutes respectively by car, offering superb connections to and from just about anywhere in the world.

Course Details

• Dates: 01-19 Jun 2026, 05-23 Oct 2026
• Duration: Three weeks
• Location: Cranfield campus
• Cost: £5,940 (includes refreshments and lunch during the day, but accommodation is not included and must be booked separately)