The Bureau Permanent d'Enquêtes d'Accidents et Incidents d'Aviation, abbreviated as BPEA and also referred to as the Permanent Office of Investigations of Aviation Accidents and Incidents, is an agency under the Ministry of Transport and Channels of Communication responsible for conducting independent investigations into civil aviation accidents and incidents within the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) or involving the DRC. Situated on the first floor of the "Immeuble Zecodiam" in Gombe, Kinshasa, the BPEA was established on October 2, 2012, through decree no. 12/035.
Organization.
Operating with functional independence, the BPEA adheres to the guidelines outlined in Article 162 of Law No. 10/014 of 31 December 2010, which pertains to civil aviation (civil aviation code). These guidelines define its internal regulations and organizational structure, ensuring its investigative duties remain separate from those of the civil aviation authority and other entities with potentially conflicting interests. The BPEA primarily focuses on preventing future aviation accidents and incidents by extracting insights and lessons from its investigations. Administrative or legal procedures related to fault or responsibility are conducted separately from the investigative processes. Throughout its operations, the BPEA maintains its commitment to "impartiality," "objectivity," and "freedom from political or external interference or pressure."
Controversy.
During a debate held on December 7, 2019, at the Faculty Institute of Information and Communication Sciences (IFASIC), BPEA Director José Ngoto stated that the agency lacks the necessary equipment and resources to conduct thorough investigations and provide recommendations aimed at reducing accidents in Congolese airspace. Ngoto also accentuated the need for more suitable communication between BPEA and Congolese authorities, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and aircraft manufacturers. Additionally, Ngoto also pointed out that BPEA staff lacks continuous training and career development opportunities, including international internships, which negatively impact the caliber of their investigation reports. This leads to delays in the publication of final investigation reports for aircraft accidents, which are mandated by ICAO to be released within 12 months of an incident unless waived. Ngoto disclosed that out of the 34 recorded accidents between 2013 and 2018, only 16 final reports were published by BPEA. For the 32 incidents that occurred in Congolese airspace, only 13 final reports were published by the agency.
References.
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