Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2012*
1. If an engine separates from an aircraft, the event is categorized as an accident even if damage is confined to the engine.
2. A loss of engine cowls (fan or core) or reverser components which does not result in further damage to the aircraft is not considered an accident
3. Occurrences where compressor of turbine blades or other engine internal components are ejected through the engine lab pipe are not considered an accident.
4. A collapsed or missing radome is not considered an accident unless there is related substantial damage in other structures or systems.
5. Missing flap, slat and other lift augmenting devices, winglets, etc., that are permitted for dispatch under the configuration deviation list (CDL are not considered to be an accident.
6. Retraction of a landing gear leg, or wheels-up landing, resulting in skin abrasion only. If the aircraft can be safely dispatched after minor repairs, or patching, and subsequently undergoes more extensive work to effect a permanent repair, then the occurrence would not be classified as an accident.
7. If the structural damage is such that the aircraft depressurizes, or cannot be pressurized, the occurrence is categorized as an accident.
8. The removal of components for inspection following an occurrence, such as the precautionary removal of an undercarriage leg following a low-speed runway excursion, while involving considerable work, is not considered an accident unless significant damage is found.
9. Occurrences that involve an emergency evacuation are not counted as an accident unless. someone receives serious injuries or the aircraft has otherwise sustained significant damage.
Note 1. – Regarding aircraft damage which adversely affects the structural strength, performance or flight characteristics, the aircraft may have landed safely, but cannot be safely dispatched on a further sector without repair.
Note 2. – If the aircraft can be safety dispatched after minor repairs and subsequently undergoes more extensive work to effect a permanent repair, then the occurrence would not be classified as an accident. Likewise, if the aircraft can be dispatched under the CDL with the affected component removed, missing or inoperative, the repair would not be conSidered as a major repair and consequently the occurrence would not be considered an accident.
Note 3. – The cost of repairs, or estimated loss, such as provided by insurance companies may provide an indication of the damage sustained hut should not be used as the sale guide as to whether the damage is sufficient to count the occurrence as an accident. Likewise, an aircraft may be considered a a “hull loss” because. It is uneconomic to repair, without it having incurred sufficient damage to be classified as an accident.
(*Published vide Notification No. G.S.R. 536(E), dated 5th July 2012
