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The Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) is part of the Department of Transport, and is responsible for the investigation of aircraft accidents, serious incidents, and incidents (Occurrences) that occur within Ireland.  In addition the AAIU provides assistance to foreign safety investigation authorities who conduct investigations into occurrences involving Irish registered and / or operated aircraft abroad. Furthermore, in some cases Foreign States may delegate Investigations back to the AAIU.

The Chief Inspector of Air Accidents reports directly to the Minister for Transport. The AAIU headquarters is located in the Department of Transport, 2^nd Floor, Leeson Lane, off Leeson Street, Dublin 2, Ireland.  

The AAIU conducts its investigations of aviation occurrences in accordance with Annex 13 (as amended) to the International Civil Aviation Organisation Convention, REGULATION (EU) No 996/2010 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL, and Statutory Instrument No. 460 of 2009. The fundamental purpose of such investigations is to determine the circumstances and causes of these events, with a view to the preservation of life and the avoidance of similar occurrences in the future. It is not the purpose of such investigations to apportion blame or liability.

The AAIU does not have any inspection remit. Issues concerning liability are neither investigated nor described in association with our investigations. Matters relating to blame, liability, responsibility and damages are generally dealt with by the judicial authorities or for example by insurance companies.