The Banjul Accord Group Accident Investigation Agency (BAGAIA) stresses the importance of independent Accident Investigation Authorities to enhance aviation safety. Despite challenges such as funding and adherence to resolutions, BAGAIA sees numerous opportunities for improvement through partnerships. These opportunities, highlighted in a recent presentation, provide member states with practical pathways to strengthen aviation oversight.
Commissioner, Engineer Charles Irikefe Erhueh delivered this message during his presentation at the International Society of Air Safety Investigators (ISASI) seminar in Marriot Lisbon Hotel, Portugal, from October 1-3, 2024. Over 300 delegates attended the event, which aimed to foster collaboration and learning in the global aviation community.
ISASI is dedicated to advancing air safety by fostering the exchange of ideas, experiences, and information about aircraft accident investigation and safety management. By promoting collaboration among aviation professionals worldwide, ISASI aims to enhance safety standards across the industry.
During his presentation titled “The Benefits of BAGAIA Assistance Missions to States in the AFI Region and Beyond,” Engineer Erhueh emphasized BAGAIA’s pivotal role in improving aviation safety through joint efforts. Moreover, he acknowledged the challenges states face in establishing independent Accident Investigation Authorities (AIAs), such as political resistance, a lack of skilled personnel, and slow legislative processes. Nevertheless, he reaffirmed that BAGAIA remains fully committed to supporting states in overcoming these obstacles and helping them set up these essential bodies.
During his speech, Engineer Erhueh stressed the importance of partnerships, expanded membership, and improved funding access across member states. He noted that while some states face difficulties, the creation of independent AIAs is essential for ensuring objective accident investigations. In his words, “Many states are reluctant to establish independent bodies due to fears of job loss among civil servants and resistance from civil aviation authorities.” Despite these challenges, he stressed that this reluctance must be overcome in order to meet international standards and strengthen regional cooperation. Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of these independent bodies in fostering trust and transparency within the aviation industry.
In addition to highlighting the challenges, Engineer Erhueh outlined the objectives of BAGAIA’s technical assistance missions to member and non-member states. He pointed out that these missions align with ICAO’s Annex 13, which sets the global standard for investigating aircraft accidents and serious incidents. Over the years, the BAGAIA region has conducted 59 accident investigations, 61 serious incident investigations, and issued 287 safety recommendations. Through this work, the agency has contributed significantly to improving aviation safety across the region.
He concluded by urging both member and non-member states to institutionalise or join regional accident investigation bodies like BAGAIA. This would not only help states meet their international obligations but also improve their overall aviation safety oversight capabilities. Partnerships, access to funding, and expanded membership, as emphasized throughout the presentation, remain crucial for achieving these goals.
