[1] The agency investigates aviation, marine, and rail accidents and incidents occurring in New Zealand, with a view to avoid similar occurrences in the future, rather than ascribing blame to any person.

It is a standing Commission of Inquiry and an independent Crown entity, and reports to the minister of transport.

In May 2006, the Aviation Industry Association claimed too often the organisation did not find the true cause of accidents, after TAIC released the results of a second investigation into a fatal helicopter crash at Taumarunui in 2001.

The commission rejected[3] the criticism, CEO Lois Hutchinson citing the results of a March 2003 audit by the International Civil Aviation Organization.

[4] Ron Chippindale, who investigated the Mount Erebus Disaster, was Chief Inspector of Accidents from 1990 to 31 October 1998.