To independently investigate civil aircraft accidents and serious aircraft incidents in compliance with Annex 13 to the convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention). The functions of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Board are to advance safety of civil aviation by:

• Exercising on behalf of the Minister, the responsibility of the Minister under subsection (3) of section forty-three of the Civil Aviation Authority Act, 2012, relating to the investigation of civil aircraft accidents and serious aircraft incidents.
• Cooperating with relevant authorities and agencies outside Zambia in the exercise of its functions under this section.
• Establishing policies with regard to the classes of civil aircraft accidents and serious aircraft incidents to be investigated.
• Establishing, either generally or in relation to specific classes of civil aircraft accidents and serious aircraft incidents, procedures and practices to be followed in the conduct of investigations; Functions of Aircraft Accident Investigation Board Act No. 7 of 2012 Civil Aviation No. 5 of 2016.
• Overseeing and exercising general control over the performance of the functions and activities of authorised persons.
• Submitting to the Minister, within three months after completion of an investigation, a final report on its findings and recommendations.
• Submitting a final report to all recipient States in compliance with Chapter 6 of Annex 13
• Making rules regarding the proceedings of, and conduct at, meetings of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Board.
• Performing any other functions prescribed under any other law.
• Reviewing reports submitted to the Board by the Director of Investigations.
• Independently investigating civil aircraft accidents and serious aircraft incidents in compliance with Annex 13.
• Discharging all functions and obligations in compliance with the provisions and procedures of Annex 13.