Roskilde, 4-5 November 2025 — How can safety investigators keep pace with the rapid innovation reshaping the aviation sector? This was the central question guiding the 2025 ECAC Air Accident and Incident Investigation Group of Experts (ACC) workshop, held in Roskilde on 4 and 5 November 2025.
The event brought together heads and senior officials from 28 European safety investigation authorities, along with international partners and representatives from across the aviation industry. Chaired by Crispin Orr, Chief Inspector of Air Accidents at the United Kingdom’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB), the workshop featured a keynote address by Professor Graham Braithwaite, Director of Aerospace and Aviation at Cranfield University.
This year’s discussions focused on investigating accidents involving new and disruptive aviation technologies. Participants exchanged experiences and insights on:
- lessons learnt and emerging risks associated with next-generation aircraft;
• the evolving relationship between innovation, regulation, and safety in the unmanned aviation (UAS) sector;
• using big data to support predictive safety and collaborative investigation;
• the potential and limitations of artificial intelligence in shifting accident investigation from reactive analysis to proactive prevention.
The workshop provided a valuable forum for collaboration and knowledge-sharing among Europe’s investigation authorities. The insights and outcomes will contribute to future ECAC guidance material, supporting Member States, industry, and international partners in strengthening aviation safety and advancing investigative practices across a rapidly evolving industry.
Finally, sincere thanks were extended to Martin Puggard, Director and Chief Investigator of the Accident Investigation Board Denmark, and his team, for their warm hospitality and excellent organisation.