The Federal Aviation Administration has primary responsibility for investigating aircraft accidents. Initial reports of accidents may be directed by state and/or local police agencies that report such aeronautical accident information to the Department through the Office of Aeronautics. The Office of Aeronautics shall report to the appropriate federal agency all aeronautical accidents of which it is informed and shall cooperate with and assist federal agencies in the conduct of any investigation. Police agencies involved in any accident investigation shall preserve, protect and prevent removal of component parts of any aircraft involved in an accident until the investigating agency or Office of Aeronautics gives clearance for removal of the wreckage.
Structure Delaware Code
Subchapter II. Department of Transportation; Powers and Duties
§ 131. General powers and duties.
§ 133. Reports to federal agencies; preservation of aircraft involved in accidents.
§ 134. Rules, regulations, and standards.
§ 136. Technical services to public use airports and political subdivisions.
§ 137. Legislation; representation of State before federal agencies.
§ 138. Participation in litigation or other proceedings.
§ 139. Enforcement of aeronautics laws.
§ 140. Conduct of investigations, inquiries and hearings.
§ 141. Reports of investigations.
§ 142. Financial assistance to political subdivisions, public use airports and education programs.
§ 144. Grant of exclusive rights prohibited.
§ 145. Cooperation with federal government.
§ 146. Receipt of federal moneys for airports.