Contact Dr Abdul Abushalla

Areas of expertise

  • Air Transport Safety & Investigation
  • Human Factors

Background

Dr Abdulwahd Abushalla is a Lecturer in Aircraft Accident Investigation and Transport Safety at Ƶ. He has over 30 years of experience spanning civil aviation regulation, safety oversight, and accident and incident investigation. His professional background includes senior regulatory roles, notably as Chief of Airworthiness and State Safety Programme Director, alongside extensive involvement in international safety and oversight activities.

At Cranfield, Dr Abushalla contributes to postgraduate education, professional training, and applied research, with a strong focus on real-world investigative practice. His expertise centres on accident and incident investigation, Safety Management Systems (SMS), State Safety Programmes (SSP), and the implementation of ICAO Annexes 13 and 19. He is particularly committed to strengthening investigation capability, developing future investigators, and supporting states and organisations in advancing safety in line with international best practice.

Research opportunities

Dr Abdulwahd Abushalla completed his PhD at Ƶ with a thesis titled “Developing the Capability of Air Accident Investigation”.

His research focused on strengthening the capacity of Accident Investigation Authorities (AIA) in less-developed States, aiming to identify effective ways of establishing and enhancing their investigative capability.

The study explored the concept of capability within a "not-for-blame" State-level investigation context. It employed a mixed-methods approach that included a systematic literature review, interviews, and a survey of experienced investigators. Based on the findings, Dr Abushalla developed an eight-dimension framework to guide less-developed States in establishing and developing their AIAs.

The research highlighted that effective investigation is a collaborative, multi-level activity requiring international cooperation to ensure technical expertise and investigative quality. It also emphasised the importance of institutional independence, ensuring that the AIA operates separately from administrative and judicial influences.

Current activities

Dr Abushalla’s current activities focus on teaching, training, and applied research in aircraft accident investigation and transport safety. He teaches across postgraduate and professional programmes at Ƶ, contributing to modules covering accident and incident investigation, safety management systems, and investigative methods. His teaching approach places strong emphasis on investigator safety, evidence preservation, and the practical challenges encountered at accident sites.

In parallel with his teaching role, Dr Abushalla supports the design and delivery of specialist training for regulators, investigation authorities, and industry stakeholders, both in the UK and internationally. This includes scenario-based exercises, simulation activities, and investigator-focused safety training aligned with ICAO standards and recommended practices.

His work and professional interests include the effectiveness of SMS and SSP frameworks, the application of ICAO Annexes 13 and 19, accident investigation methodologies, and emerging tools and data sources to support investigations. He also engages with state authorities and organisations to support capacity building, safety oversight improvement, and the development of investigation capability.

Dr Abushalla remains closely connected to industry and regulatory practice, ensuring that his teaching and research are informed by operational reality and current international safety expectations.