The investigation of aircraft accidents and incidents is conducted by an investigative body on the basis of Slovenian, European and international legislation. The purpose of the investigation is to reveal the circumstances and causes of the accident or incident and to prepare safety recommendations in order to prevent recurrences. Usually, a safety investigation is conducted on the basis of the territorial principle, and a judicial investigation is also conducted, while both are mutually independent. At the international and national level, there is a process of coordinating the two investigations, which pursue different goals. It is necessary to carefully assess acts of omission committed by the perpetrators out of conscious or unconscious negligence and to distinguish an unintentional mistake from an intentional act and to assess the level of guilt that requires criminal liability of the individual. Prosecutions of aviation experts at the global level have not brought good results for aviation safety. The effects are often counterproductive, mistakes being covered up due to the threat of prosecution. People involved in aircraft accidents and incidents are not willing to participate in the investigation process, because their statements could be used in court proceedings. A high degree of just culture in aviation organizations, which encourages individuals to report safety-related information without relieving them of their normal responsibilities, is important for improving aviation safety.
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