Turbulent and overwhelming, aircraft crash recovery is high-stress and high-stakes. With lives and crucial crash data on the line, speed and expertise are critical. Alpine Towing & Recovery has over 20-years of experience in this industry and provides this guide to illustrate the basic procedures necessary in the event of an aircraft incident. Review and revise it to meet your needs, at least annually, to ensure it encompasses a thorough plan. Someone’s life may depend on your actions.

Tips for Addressing an Aircraft Incident WITHIN the Response Area of an Airport or Fire & Rescue

Your airport manager should have a crash fire and rescue (CFR) map with procedural plans in the event of an incident. In initial rescue efforts, the local CFR plan is primary. Adhere to this plan regardless of agencies assisting in the aircraft recovery to prevent confusion and delays in life-saving efforts. Be sure to record the time each action is taken or data is obtained to secure an accurate timeline of events:

1. Activate and commence with agency CFR plan.
2. Activate airfield/helibase crash rescue.
3. Dispatch rescue and emergency assistance.
4. Notify district/state/local agency staff. Contact info should be listed in your CFR.
5. Notify regional/state/local aviation safety manager/officer.
6. Complete SAFECOM (FS) or OAS-77 for (DOI).
7. Coordinate security at the incident site:
8. Obtain as much information as possible regarding the incident, including:
   • Name of pilot(s).
   • Number and name(s) of passenger(s). *Note, do NOT disclose victim names over radio communications.
   • Aircraft registration number.
   • Type and color of aircraft.
   • Mission type.
   • Location of incident/airport name, including latitude and longitude if known.
   • Date and time of accident.
   • Number of injuries/fatalities, if known, requesting coroner if necessary.
   • Name, address, and phone of individual reporting the incident.
   • Dispatch assistance to accident site, such as local law enforcement or Alpine Towing & Recovery personnel.
9. At the incident site, commence with the following:
   • Establish communications with the unite dispatcher/rescue personnel/accident scene officer-in-charge.
   • Assist survivors, administering first-aid and arranging rapid transport.
   • Move survivors to a safe area, establishing a ‘NO SMOKING’ zone due to the explosion risk of residual fuel and hot metals.
   • Conduct a thorough search for additional survivors.
   • Notify appropriate personnel of the best method of transporting the injured (ground ambulance, helicopter, fixed-wing aircraft). Prepare a helispot as needed, managed only by qualified personnel.
   • Secure and preserve accident site, roping off the area and leaving the site undisturbed except for life-saving purposes.
   • Request law enforcement on-site, securing the site from all but essential authorized personnel.
   • After an incident, the aircraft is no longer your property until released. Leave the aircraft undisturbed until released by the Contracting Officer (CO).
   • Identify all witnesses, documenting names, address, phone number, and recording written/taped statements.
   • Keep a record of all actions performed to be given to the accident investigation team.

Need emergency assistance? Alpine Towing & Recovery has the training, expertise, and equipment to rapidly assist you at any crash site, whether airport, roadside, or mountainside. We specialize in full-service, difficult recoveries, helping you address critical needs quickly, from searching for victims to preserving evidence, aircraft disassembly and transportation, site cleanup, and HAZMAT removal. Secure the dependable assistance you need in this trying time. Contact us for 24/7/365 emergency service now.

This article was originally published at http://alpinetowing.net/aircraft-recovery/aircraft-crash-recovery-guide-part-1-within-the-response-area-of-an-airport/