What is a condition that differentiates an 'incident' from an 'accident' in aviation?

In aviation, the distinction between an 'incident' and an 'accident' is primarily based on the safety impact potential of the event. An incident is defined as an occurrence that could affect the safety of operations but does not result in serious injury or significant damage to the aircraft. Conversely, an accident typically results in serious injury or fatality, or substantial damage to the aircraft. This difference underscores the severity and impact that an event can have on safety and operational integrity.

The other options do not accurately capture the critical element that differentiates an incident from an accident. Flight duration does not inherently indicate the severity of an occurrence. The type of aircraft involved may influence the potential consequences of an event, but it is not a definitive factor in the classification. Additionally, the location of the occurrence is not a determining factor; incidents and accidents can occur anywhere, and the classification relies more on the outcomes of the event rather than where it happens. Thus, the safety impact potential is the key aspect that establishes the essential difference between an incident and an accident in aviation.