This course follows on directly from Fundamentals of Accident Investigation and concentrates on applying techniques to the specialised aspects of aircraft operations. It includes a week-long aircraft accident investigation simulation.

At a glance

  • Dates
    • 02 - 20 Jun 2025
  • DurationThree weeks
  • LocationCranfield campus
  • Cost

    £5,750
    The course fee includes refreshments and lunch during the day. Accommodation is not included and must be booked separately.



    Concessions available

Course structure

The course features lectures, tutorials and practical training, including a five-day simulation of an aircraft accident investigation. The course is formally assessed and, when combined with our Fundamentals of Accident Investigation course, completes the core element of our MSc in Safety and Accident Investigation. 

What you will learn

On successful completion, you will have gained the skills needed to confidently conduct an aircraft accident investigation. 

Core content

  • Management of complex investigations
  • Investigation of military aircraft accidents
  • Investigating operational accidents
  • Investigating technical accidents
  • Air Traffic Control investigations
  • Cabin safety investigations
  • Investigation of aircraft structural failures
  • Aircraft powerplant investigations
  • Investigating with recorded data
  • Investigating survivability
  • Impact and flight path assessment
  • Aviation operational and engineering human factors
  • Enhanced interview techniques
  • Applied analysis methods
  • Working with State-accredited representatives
  • Working with the regulator
  • A major manufacturer’s perspective
  • Five-day accident simulation exercise
  • Working with the media
  • ICAO annex 13 report writing
  • Visit to UK AAIB and UK Defence AIB
  • State Director / Chief Inspector of Air Accidents' perspective

Upgrade to a professional qualification

All of the short courses within the Safety and Accident Investigation Centre are available as standalone courses. Our postgraduate programme in Safety and Accident Investigation allows you to combine many of our courses towards a part-time postgraduate qualification.


Structure of accident investication course

Who should attend

The course is designed for those who may have to conduct, or participate in, an aircraft accident investigation.

Having previously attended Fundamentals of Accident Investigation is a prerequisite. 

Concessions

Where three delegates or more are booking from within one site or one organisation, a discount of 10% will apply to the invoice for the course tuition fee. Accommodation fees are not included in the discount scheme. Please ask about our discount scheme at time of booking.

Accommodation options and prices

We are pleased to offer an exclusive accommodation package at our hotel. Located on campus, all rooms are en-suite and available on a half-board basis Monday to Fridays and on a full-board basis on a Saturday and Sunday during the course. The cost of this package is £2,360.

If you would like to book this accommodation package* for this short course, please indicate this on the registration form.

*Subject to availability.

Alternatively, you may wish to make your own arrangement at a nearby hotel.

Location and travel

¹û½´ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø is situated in Bedfordshire close to the border with Buckinghamshire. The University is located almost midway between the towns of Bedford and Milton Keynes and is conveniently situated between junctions 13 and 14 of the M1.

London Luton, Stansted and Heathrow airports are 30, 90 and 90 minutes respectively by car, offering superb connections to and from just about anywhere in the world. 

For further location and travel details

Location address

¹û½´ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø
College Road
Cranfield
Bedford 
MK43 0AL

How to apply

To apply for this course please use the online application form.

Read our Professional development (CPD) booking conditions.