Interim Report
A preliminary or interim publication. It states facts established so far and normally contains no conclusion about cause.
Annex 13 requires a preliminary report within 30 days of the accident, and an interim statement on each anniversary while the investigation continues. These documents exist to put the established facts on the record and to release any urgent safety message early.
They deliberately avoid analysis. A preliminary report quoting a recorder transcript is stating what was recorded, not saying why — and treating it as a cause is the single most common error in coverage of an open investigation.
Related terms
The investigating authority has published its concluding report, with findings, causes and safety recommendations. This is the authoritative account.
The investigation is open and nothing conclusive has been published. Expect a final report in one to three years, sometimes longer.
The international standard governing aircraft accident investigation. It defines who investigates, what an accident is, and that the sole objective is prevention — not blame.