Accident classification is a standardized method by which the causes of an accident, including the root causes, are grouped into categories. Accident classification is mainly used in aviation but can be expanded into other areas, such as railroad or health care. While accident reports are very detailed, the goal of accident classification is to look at a broader picture. By analysing a multitude of accidents and applying the same standardized classification scheme, patterns in how accidents develop can be detected and correlations can be built. The advantage of a standardized accident classification is that statistical methods can be used to gain more insight into accident causation.
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A good accident classification system
Accident vs Incident Classification
A good accident classification taxonomy is also suitable for incident investigation. The difference between an accident and an incident is the end state. While the end state in an incident is always recoverable, it is not in an accident. Examples for an end state in aviation: in an incident the end state could be a "Controlled Flight Towards Terrain" which is then recovered, while in an accident it would be a "Controlled Flight Into Terrain", which cannot be recovered. The causal factors leading to either one can be analysed with one and the same accident classification system.