What is one of the goals of investigating aviation accidents?

One of the primary goals of investigating aviation accidents is to prevent future occurrences. This focus on prevention stems from the understanding that aviation is a complex system where multiple factors can contribute to an accident. By thoroughly analyzing the circumstances surrounding an incident—such as human factors, equipment failures, and environmental conditions—investigators can identify safety issues and develop recommendations to mitigate similar risks in the future. This proactive approach is crucial for improving safety protocols, regulations, and training programs within the aviation industry, ultimately leading to enhanced safety for passengers and crew alike.

The emphasis on prevention helps foster a culture of continuous improvement in aviation safety, ensuring that lessons learned from accidents lead to tangible changes that protect future flights. Such investigations are not about assigning blame but rather about understanding the sequence of events and systemic issues that contributed to the accident, which can create safer practices moving forward.