When is a pilot required to submit a report of an incident or accident?

A pilot is required to submit a report of an incident or accident whenever an accident occurs or if an incident affects the safety of flight. This requirement is grounded in aviation safety regulations and protocols designed to maintain high safety standards within the industry. Reporting such events is critical not only for accountability but also for understanding and mitigating risks in aviation.

Accidents can result in various outcomes, including damage to the aircraft, injuries, or fatalities, making it essential to document them for investigation and preventive measures. Similarly, incidents that impact the safety of flight—even if they do not result in accidents—need to be reported so that the circumstances can be analyzed to promote safer practices moving forward.

This reporting system serves a dual purpose: it ensures that regulatory bodies are aware of potential hazards and that pilots and operators can learn from each occurrence, thereby enhancing overall safety in aviation operations.