Latest updates

Rail RO-2019-105: Express freight Train 268, Derailment, Wellington, 2 July 2019
A loaded freight train derailed when departing Wellington Freight Terminal, dragged derailed wagon through 6 sets of points. Automated systems eventually halted train 256 metres along the track. No injuries, but substantial damage to rail infrastructure led days of passenger service disruption. Very likely contributing factors: track alignment, track faults and track twist; and rough wheel flange.
Marine TAIC reports on capsize of water taxi
Worse-than-expected sea conditions caused capsize of a perceived very safe ‘pontoon’ design water taxi. Skipper rescued all six passengers trapped inside, all survived. Lessons for passenger boat sector: know vessel stability as well as buoyancy; prioritise safety over commercial expectations;…
Rail RO-2019-107: Passenger service SPAD and near collision, Wellington, 6 November 2019
A passenger train leaving Wellington station ran a red light because a radio call distracted its driver. The red signal protected an inbound passenger train. Both trains stopped just in time. TAIC reminds KiwiRail of 2017 TAIC recommendation to urgently minimise risks for trains in Wellington rail…
Marine New inquiry: Fire on board cargo ship Kota Bahagia
TAIC is investigating the causes and circumstances of a fire on board a cargo vessel in the Port of Napier. Reportedly, the fire originated in one of the holds of the Kota Bahagia while it was berthed at the wharf. All…
Rail RO-2019-106: Passenger train 804, Irregular disembarkation of passengers, Rolleston, Canterbury, 3 September 2019
A train was wrong routed onto a line not adjacent to a station platform. Two passengers got off and walked across the Main Line. Train control didn’t know, and rail traffic wasn’t blocked from passing through. Nobody…
Rail RO-2019-104: Unsafe entry into worksite, Taimate, 5 June 2019
A work train was allowed to travel through an area where a hi-rail excavator was on the track. The excavator driver cleared the track. No damage, no injury. A local procedural work-around had been prioritised over…
Aviation New TAIC inquiry - helicopter crash at Kekerengu River mouth
TAIC has opened an inquiry into the causes and circumstances of the helicopter accident at the Kekerengu River mouth on 15 December 2020. The circumstances reported are that the Airbus Helicopter EC120 was traveling…
Aviation AO-2018-006: Robinson R44, ZK-HTB Loss of control Stevensons Arm, Lake Wanaka 21 July 2018
A Robinson R44 helicopter disappeared while on a short flight over Lake Wanaka. Searchers found an oil slick on the lake surface and some debris on land nearby