Article 71. Crew actions in the event of an aircraft distress

An aircraft is deemed to be in distress when it or people on board are in immediate danger, or with whom radio communication has been lost and the location of this aircraft is unknown.

Aircraft is recognized as having suffered a disaster if it was seriously damaged or completely destroyed during take-off, landing or attack, as well as an aircraft making an emergency landing outside the aerodrome.

The crew of an aircraft in distress must, in the manner established by the Basic rules for aviation flights in the airspace of the Republic of Uzbekistan, give a distress signal and take all possible measures to preserve the life and health of people, property, and the aircraft itself.

The crew of the aircraft in distress must take all possible measures to save and ensure the safety of people on board, property, and the safety of the aircraft itself before transferring its authority to the competent authorities. All crew members, and, if possible, the passengers of this aircraft are obliged to take part in the rescue of people, property and aircraft.

The commander of an aircraft in distress or distressed, directs the actions of persons on board or on board of this aircraft, before transferring his/her authority to the competent authorities.