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Accident :

an occurrence associated with the operation of an aircraft which takes place between the time a person boards the aircraft with the intention of flight until such time as all such persons have disembarked, in which :

1. a person is fatally or seriously injured as a result of :

- being in the aircraft, or

- direct contact with any part of the aircraft including parts which have become detached from the aircraft,

- direct exposure to jet blast,

except when the injuries are from natural causes, self-inflicted or inflicted by other persons, or when the injuries are to stowaways hiding outside the areas normally available to the passengers or crew; or

2. the aircraft sustains damage or structural failure which :

- adversely affects the structural strength, performance or flight characteristics of the aircraft, and

- would normally require major repair or replacement of the affected components,

except for engine failure or damage, when the damage is limited to the engine, its cowlings or accessories, or for damage limited to propellers, wing tips, antennas, tyres, brakes, fairings, small dents or punctures in the aircraft skin; or

3. the aircraft is missing or is completely inaccessible.

IAssistants : Investigative assistants are in general Civil Aviation Research and Operations Technicians (TEEAC) trained by the National Civil Aviation School (ENAC)

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Serious injury :

an injury which is sustained by a person in an accident and which :

1. requires hospitalisation for more than 48 hours, commencing within seven days from the date the injury was received; or

2. results in a fracture of any bone (except simple fractures of fingers, toes or nose); or

3. involves lacerations which cause severe haemorrhage, nerve, muscle or tendon damage; or

4. involves injury to any internal organ; or

5. involves second or third degree burns, or any burns affecting more than 5% of the body surface; or

6. involves verified exposure to infectious substances or harmful radiation

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Fatal injury : any injury which is sustained by a person in an accident and which results in his or her death within 30 days of the date of this accident.

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Investigators : The majority of BEA investigators are Civil Aviation Research and Operations Engineers (IEEAC) who have graduated from the National Civil Aviation School (ENAC). In addition to their knowledge and experience in the field of aeronautics, they receive specialised training over many years.

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Field Investigator (EPI) : A Field Investigator is an officer of the Civil Aviation Service who has received specific training so as to act swiftly on the spot and take measures to conserve evidence and to inform the BEA of his or her initial observations.
A Field Investigator is a local officer attached to the local office of the DGAC (Civil Aviation Authority).

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Team : A team is made up of one or more investigators, to whom investigative assistants, outside specialists and foreign investigators may be attached. The makeup of the teams may modify according to the phase of the investigation.

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Incident : an occurrence, other than an accident, associated with the operation of an aircraft which affects or would affect the safety of operation.

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Serious incident: an incident involving circumstances indicating that an accident nearly occurred.

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Notified = informed : In France, notification of a civil aviation accident or incident is mandatory (Article R 142.2 of the Civil Aviation Code)

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The BEA duty team : As an operational structure, the BEA is ready to act 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. A duty team, under the responsibility of an investigator, is on duty at night. This team manages events reported to it by local civil aviation organisations, companies or the BEA’s opposite numbers abroad.