The BEA is the official French organisation responsible for technical investigations of civil aviation accidents and incidents. Created in 1946, The BEA is attached to the Ministry of Transportation. The BEA carries out investigations and issues its reports in a completely independent manner.

To accomplish its mission, the BEA has 120 staff members, of whom 30 are investigators and 12 are investigative assistants. They make use of a large group of qualified Civil Aviation personnel, known as Field Investigators. The BEA can, on its own authority, call upon the assistance of the Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) the Ministry of Defence, the Meteorological Service, industrial groups, shippers and other professionals.