W. Va. Code R. § 141-59-16

Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 50, December 13, 2024

Section 141-59-16 - AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT REPORTING AND INVESTIGATION

a. Reporting aircraft mishaps is an integral part of each unit's aviation safety program.

b. Responsibility. The individual or commander first becoming aware of a WVARNG aircraft mishap will immediately notify the Office of the Adjutant General, telephone (304) 341-6403 during duty hours. During non-duty hours notification to be made to the Staff Duty Officer at telephone (304) 341-6300. The Staff Duty Officer will notify one of the following individuals listed below:

(1) Chief of Staff, WVARNG.

(2) State Army Aviation Officer.

(3) Army Aviation Support Facility Commander.

(4) State Army Aviation Safety Officer.

c. The following information is required when reporting a mishap:

(1) Give name and location where calling from.

(2) Give accurate geographical location of mishap site.

(3) Give number and name of personnel injured or declared deceased.

(4) Classification of mishap-A, B, C, if known.

(5) Give number of aircraft and type or model, if known.

(6) Where someone can be met and/or called.

(7) Make sure report is understood.

(8) Any other information of possible, immediate value.

(9) Wait for any questions before hanging up.

d. Upon notification, the Staff Duty Officer will obtain the information in 16c (1-8). In addition, if the Staff Duty Officer is contacted, he will notify in order until one of above listed in paragraph 16b (1-3) is contacted.

e. When a mishap is reported, one or more personnel listed in paragraph 16b (1-3) will immediately proceed to the mishap scene and determine if the mishap is an incident. A, B, C, if able to determine, and make decision to request investigation by United States Army Safety Center (USASC), Fort Rucker, AL. If USASC is requested, the following information, if available, is desired, but will not delay notification.

(1) Type aircraft and location.

(2) Classification on mishap (A, B, C).

(3) Brief synopsis of mishap.

(4) Number of personnel on board.

(5) Highest rank on board.

(6) Number of injuries/fatalities.

(7) Nearest airfield to accommodate U-21/C-12 aircraft (airfield must be paved, lighted and at least 4,000 feet in length).

(8) Nearest airfield served by commercial airlines.

f. USASC will respond with the following as appropriate:

(1) Decision to investigate.

(2) Name, rank, SSAN of USASC board members.

(3) Requirement and desired qualifications for local board members.

(4) Estimated time and place of arrival of USASC board members.

g. USASC will

(1) Upon arrival at accident site, USASC will assimie complete responsibility for the investigation and completion report.

(2) Arrive equipped to conduct the investigation. -.

(3) Fimd travel and per diem cost for USASC personnel.

h. Responsibility of State Aviation Officer

(1) Ensure wreckage remains imdisturbed to extent possible.

(2) Appoint ASO to serve as Point of Contract (POC) for the board and provide support outlined by AR 95-40 to include all required preliminary actions prior to arrival of USASC investigators.

(3) Publish orders for investigation board to include those members from USASC, LAW paragraph 5-10, Reference C, AR 385-40.

(4) Make arrangements for administrative support, i.e., office space, autovon telephone, site passes, photographer, and limited essential typing support.

(5) Maintain responsibility for:

(a) Search and rescue efforts.

(b) Security of crash site.

(c) Equipment/aircraft required for wreckage recovery and other logistical support.

(d) Transportation arrangements for tear down exhibits.

(e) Release of information.

(f) Collateral investigation.

(g) Cost of all support except travel/per diem of USASC personnel.

i. Responsible commanders will be briefed on tentative findings and recommendations at the conclusion of the field portion of the investigation. Final copies of the accident report will be prepared at USASC and forweU"ded to the lowest responsible command for processing through chaimels.

W. Va. Code R. § 141-59-16