Policy Text
CATEGORY DATE ADOPTED LAST REVIEW NEXT REVIEW
2 01/24/2011 05/01/201 9 05/01/20 20
TUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT GENERAL ORDERS
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434 - Aircraft Accidents 1 POLICY 434 AIRCRAFT ACCIDENTS
434.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy describes situations involving aircraft accidents including responsibilities of personnel,
making proper notification, and documentation.
434.1.1 ACCREDITATION STANDARDS
This section p ertains to the following CALEA Standards: 41.2.4 , 46.1.2
434.1.2 ORGANIZATION AND OPERATION
The response to an Aircraft Accident can by its magnitude and danger be considered a “Critical
Incident.” If the response, evacuation, aid to injured or manageme nt of the call is significant, it
should be organized and operated in accordance with the “All -Hazard Plan” utilizing the structure
of the Incident Command System (ICS). See § 206 of this Manual.
434.2.1 OFFICER RESPONSIBILITY
Officers should treat an a ircraft crash site as a crime scene until it is determined that such is not
the case. If a military aircraft is involved, additional dangers, such as live ordnance or hazardous
materials, may be present. The scene may require additional security due to the potential
presence of confidential equipment or information.
The duties of the field officer at the scene of an aircraft accident include the following:
a) Determine the nature and extent of the accident ;
b) Request additional personnel and other resources to respond as needed ;
c) Provide assistance for the injured parties until the arrival of Fire Department personnel
and/or other emergency personnel ;
d) Cordon off and contain the area to exclude unauthorized individuals as soon as
practicable ;
e) Provide crowd contro l and other assistance until directed otherwise by a supervisor ;
f) Ensure the Coroner’s office is notified if a death occurs .
Entering an aircraft or tampering with parts or debris is only permissible for the purpose of
removing injured or trapped occupants , protecting the wreckage from further damage , or
protecting the public from danger. If possible, the investigating authority should first be consulted
before entering or moving any aircraft or any crash debris. Photographs or sketches of the
original posi tions should be made whenever feasible.
The Fire Department will be responsible for control of the accident scene until the injured parties
are cared for and the accident scene has been rendered safe for containment. Thereafter, police
personnel will be r esponsible for preserving the scene until relieved by the investigating authority.
CATEGORY DATE ADOPTED LAST REVIEW NEXT REVIEW
2 01/24/2011 05/01/201 9 05/01/20 20
TUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT GENERAL ORDERS
_______________
434 - Aircraft Accidents 2 Once the scene is relinquished to the investigating authority, personnel from this agency may
assist in containment of the scene until the investigation is completed or ass istance is no longer
needed.
An airport service worker or the airport manager may respond to the scene to assist the on-scene
Commander with technical expertise, should it be needed during the operation.
434.2.2 NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has the primary responsibility for investigating
accidents involving civil aircraft. In the case of a military aircraft incident, the appropriate branch
of the military will be involved in the investigation. The NTSB is concerned with several aspects of
a crash as described in this section.
Every effort should be made to preserve the scene , to the extent possible , in the condition in
which it was found until such time as NTSB or other authorized personnel arrive to take charge of
the scene.
Military personnel will respond to take charge of any military aircraft involved, whether or not
injuries or deaths have occurred.
If the accident did not result in a death or injury and the NTSB elects not to respond, the pilot or
owner may assume control of the aircraft.
Removal of the wreckage shall be done under the guidance of the NTSB or military authorities or,
if the NTSB is not responding for an on -site investigation, at the discretion of the pilot or the
owner.
434.2.3 COMMUNICATIONS RESPONSIBILITIES
Communications Officers are responsible to make notifications as directed once an aircraft
accident has been reported . The notifications will vary depending on the type of accident, extent
of injuries or damage, and the type of aircraft involved. Generally, the Communications Officer will
need to notify the following agencies or individuals when an aircraft accident has occurred :
a) Orange County Fire Authority;
b) Closest military base if a military aircraft is involved ;
c) Ambulances or other assistance as required .
When an aircraft accident is reported to the Police Department by the airport tower personnel , the
Communications Officer receiving such information should verify that the tower personnel will
contact the Federa l Aviation Administration (FAA) , Flight Standards District Office , and the
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) . In the event that airport personnel are not involved,
the Communications Officer should notify the FAA and the NTSB.
434.2.4 RECORDS SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES
The Records Supervisor is responsible for the following:
CATEGORY DATE ADOPTED LAST REVIEW NEXT REVIEW
2 01/24/2011 05/01