Need for Validation of Annex 13 Reports: Lessons from Flight PS752 Accident Investigation

The Annex 13 report of the investigation of flight PS752 accident released by Iran has been criticized by a number of states. It is alleged that the Iranian accident investigation authority failed to comply with the provisions of Annex 13 during investigation, and also failed to include important facts in the report. The procedure which was followed by Iran reiterates a challenge with Annex 13 reports which in some cases, have not been accepted by participating states and states with special interest in the investigation on the basis of the report being inaccurate. A problem posed by an inaccurate Annex 13 report is that such report is unlikely to offer genuine safety information to prevent future occurrences, and thus negates the intent of Article 26 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation. This article, using Flight PS752 accident investigation as a reference, interrogates the validation of Annex 13 reports. The article concludes that the problem of inaccurate reporting and controversies surrounding Annex 13 reports can be addressed through a validation process where the reports will be reviewed. The article makes a case for validation of Annex 13 reports by International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) through the Air Navigation Commission (ANC) to ensure its accuracy, and compliance of investigations with Annex 13.