What if a plane crash happens in an international airspace?

If a plane crash happens in international airspace, the investigation into the accident must be conducted by the country of registry of the aircraft, unless a conflicting agreement exists between two or more countries involved in the crash. This means that the country whose laws apply to the aircraft must be the one to take the lead on the investigation. That country is usually the one that has the most knowledge and resources to do the necessary research and secure evidence from the crash site. In some cases, countries may work together to conduct investigations if the crash site is in both countries’ airspace. In addition, the international body known as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is the main international body that helps coordinate the investigation of air accidents and other accidents involving aircraft. The ICAO helps coordinate the work between countries involved, and assists in the exchange of information between them during the investigation. In cases where there is a need to determine who was at fault or responsible for an accident, a court in the country of registry of the aircraft must be the one to adjudicate the case. This is regardless of where the accident happened, as a court of the country of registry can have the legal authority to do so. It is also the place where those affected by the accident can have their case heard, and possibly seek a remedy.

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What if a plane crash happens in an international airspace?

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