Which of the following would be considered an aircraft accident?

• A. A minor prop strike with no injuries
• B. Routine ground handling incident with no injuries
• C. Small system fault not affecting flight
• D. Substantial damage to the aircraft that adversely affects structural strength, performance, or flight characteristics

Answer: (D)

Substantial damage to the aircraft that adversely affects structural strength, performance, or flight characteristics defines an aircraft accident. In this scenario, only that description fits the official definition, because the other situations involve damage or incidents that do not meet the threshold of substantial damage. A minor prop strike with no injuries, a routine ground handling incident with no injuries, and a small system fault not affecting flight all fail to impair the aircraft’s structural integrity, performance, or handling in a way that would be considered “substantial damage.” Therefore, the event described as substantial damage is the one that constitutes an aircraft accident. This level of damage is also the trigger for mandatory reporting and investigation rules, regardless of whether anyone was injured.