Some wondered whether this was an accident or an incident. According to ICAO annex 13
INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS AND RECOMMENDED PRACTICES
AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT AND INCIDENT INVESTIGATION
ANNEX 13
TO THE CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION
CHAPTER 1. DEFINITIONS
When the following terms are used in the Standards and Recommended practices for Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation they have the following meaning:
Accident. An occurrence associated with the operation of an aircraft which takes place between the time any person boards the aircraft with the intention of flight until such time as all such persons have disembarked, in which:
a) a person is fatally or seriously injured as a result of
- being in the aircraft, or
- direct contact with any part of the aircraft, including parts which have become detached from the aircraft, or
- direct exposure to jet blast,
except when the injuries are from natural causes, self inflicted or inflicted by other persons, or when the injuries are to stowaways hiding outside the areas normally available to the passengers and crew: or
b) the aircraft sustains damage or structural failure which:
- adversely affects the structural strength, performance or flight characteristics of the aircraft, and
- would normally require major repair or replacement of the affected component,
except for engine failure or damage. when the damage is limited to the engine, its cowlings or accessories: or for damage limited to propellers, wing tips, antennas, tires, brakes, fairings, small dents or puncture holes in the aircraft skin: or
c) the aircraft is missing or is completely inaccessible.
Note I.-- For statistical uniformity only, an injury resulting in death within thirty days of the date of the accident is classified as a fatal injury by ICAO.
Note 2.-- An aircraft is considered to be missing when the official search has been terminated and the wreckage has not been located.
Incident. An occurrence, other than an accident, associated with the operation of an aircraft which affects or could affect the safety of operation.
Note.-- The type of incidents which are of main interest to the International Civil Aviation Organization for accident prevention studies are listed in the ICAO Accident/lncident Reporting Manual (Doe 9156).