accident

An occurrence associated with the operation of an aircraft that takes place between the time any person boards the aircraft with the intention of flying until the time that all such persons have disembarked, in which

i. A person is fatally or seriously injured as a result of (a) being in the aircraft; (b) direct contact with any part of the aircraft, including parts that have become detached; or (c) direct exposure to jet blast, except when the injuries are the result of natural causes, self-inflicted, inflicted by other persons, or to stowaways hiding outside the areas normally available to the passengers and crew. For statistical uniformity only, an injury resulting in death within 30 days of the accident is classified as fatal.

ii. The aircraft sustains damage or structural failure that (a) adversely affects its structural strength, performance, or flight and (b) would normally require major repairs or replacement of the affected component, except for engine failure or damage limited to the engine, its cowlings, or accessories; propellers; wing tips; antennae; tires; brakes; fairings; small dents; or puncture holes in the aircraft skin.

iii. The aircraft is missing or is completely inaccessible. An aircraft is considered missing when the official search has been terminated and the wreckage has not been located.