If the location of an accident cannot be established as being in the territory of any State, which state should conduct the investigation?

• A. State of Registry
• B. State of Occurrence
• C. State of Design
• D. State of Operator

Answer: (A)

When determining who should lead an aviation accident investigation, the key rule is that the lead state is the State of Occurrence, the state in whose territory the accident occurred. If the location cannot be established as being in any State’s territory, there is no State of Occurrence to take the lead. In that situation, the State of Registry—the country where the aircraft is registered—assumes the responsibility to conduct the investigation or to appoint investigators. This is because the State of Registry has the most direct regulatory interest and authority over the aircraft involved and can coordinate with other States as needed. The State of Design or the State of Operator may participate and provide technical input, but they do not take the lead when no State can be identified as the State of Occurrence.