When we do have an incident or accident it is important that we try to learn from it.  Incidents are generally defined as events that cause no harm to property or persons, but have the potential to do so.  For instance a near miss of two aircraft causes no harm, but is something that should be recorded to gain an understanding of the root cause.  Similarly, a daily inspection might uncover a mis-rigging of the controls that is fixed before flight, but definitely is cause for concern.

Therefore it is important that all incidents, no matter how minor should be discussed openly with your fellow club members.  Maintenance items should be brought to the attention of the Director of Maintenance; towing matters to the Chief Tow Pilot; general flying questions to the Chief Flying Instructor; all other general safety concerns to the Safety Officer.  If the situation warrants, written reports will be submitted and/or produced by the club Safety Officer. Certainly if any personal injury or damage to aircraft is involved an incident/accident report will be produced.  We use these reports to learn from our mistakes both at the club and the national level.  In all cases such reports are confidential.  We are interested in prevention, not punishment.  Air regulations also require that when aircraft are badly damaged in an accident, that nothing is moved until Transport Canada has been notified and gives permission.  Of course this does not mean that you can't move things to help people, or clear paths if other aircraft need that area to land.