Skip to Content

Oman Transport Safety Bureau

Explore Opportunities in Oman’s Growing Tech and Innovation Ecosystem

For those who have lost their loved ones, Oman Transport Safety Bureau (OTSB) would like to offer our heartfelt condolences to your loss of family, friends and loved ones.

 

OTSB was established as an independent entity by Sultanate of Oman Article 46 & 47 of Civil Aviation Law (CAL) promulgated by Royal Decree No. 76/2019.

Investigation Procedures

Families and friends of air accident victims may have questions about the accident, the investigation, and its duration. The guide aims to explain the investigation process and the assistance plan for families.

The Office is always available to clarify inquiries and provides contact details to facilitate access to information.

1- Opening the investigation to identify causes and contributing factors.

2-Issuing an accident notification by the Investigator-in-Charge (IIC) as soon as possible, including:

  • Accident location.
  • Number of passengers.
  • State of registration.
  • State of the operator.
  • Other initial information.

3-Sharing initial information with family representatives before announcing it to the public.

  • Sent first to family representatives via email.

  • Issued within 30 days from the accident date.

  • Also available on the Office’s website.


  • The team aims to complete the investigation within 12 months.

  • If not possible due to complexity, the IIC issues a progress statement on investigation updates and safety matters.

  • This statement is shared with families and published on the website

  • Draft shared with relevant States and parties for comments.

  • Comment period: 60 days.

  • After revisions or annexing comments, the final report is issued according to ICAO Annex 13 requirements.

  • Shared with families and relevant parties before public release

OTSB will be assisting the families with the following:

1

Accident Notification & Updates

Provide families with the accident notification upon request and share regular updates on the progress of the investigation.

2

Visit & Meeting Coordination

The Assistance Coordinator will work with the airline to arrange visits to the accident site (if accessible) and inform families of the time and location of briefing meetings.

3

Logistical Support & Communication

Cooperate with the airline to facilitate family travel and participation in relevant meetings.

4

Government Agency Coordination

Work with authorities (police, judiciary, health, foreign affairs, rescue, airports) to ensure families get the needed information or guidance.

 


Family Assistance and Investigation Support


The air carrier and local medical examiner share responsibility for collecting and returning victims’ belongings. Timing depends on the accident’s complexity. Families will be informed about the process during briefings.

A secure center set up by the airline to provide services, updates, and support for families, survivors, and friends. Access is controlled by ID badges. Families unable to travel will receive the same information through other means.

Regular updates on the investigation, support services, and response activities are provided at the FAC or via secure phone conferences for families who cannot attend.

Briefings are the main update source during investigations, which may take a year or more. Families are notified of milestones (preliminary, interim, final reports) by the Coordinator and can contact OTSB for questions.

Handled by the local medical examiner. Families may need to provide victim details, medical contacts, or DNA samples. Questions should be directed to the medical examiner, whose contact details are available at the FAC.

A