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Explore TAIC's Aviation, 
Maritime and Rail Accident Inquiries

TAIC is investigating the grounding of the fishing vessel Taudre, after which the crew abandoned ship, the vessel later refloated and drifted, and additional crew re-boarded with Coastguard assistance to manage flooding from a hull breach. The Taudre was towed to anchorage for assessment.

At Auckland Aerodrome an Airbus A380-861 damage to two of the aeroplane’s tyres and wheels. No injuries have been reported.

The Commission is investigating a serious incident involving an ATR 72-600 aeroplane, registration ZK-MVQ, operated by Air New Zealand, on 27 November 2025. The reported circumstances were that the commercial flight was on approach to Nelson Aerodrome when the flight crew received a landing gear warning and conducted a go-around. The aeroplane diverted to Auckland Aerodrome and landed safely.

The Commission is investigating an accident in which a Robinson R66 helicopter crashed on coastal land near the Makara Wind Farm, to the West of Wellington. The reported circumstances were that activation of the helicopter’s Emergency Locator Transmitter alerted emergency services. The pilot was recovered by the Westpac helicopter and taken to Wellington Hospital. The helicopter, registration ZK-IXT was operated by SCN Helicopters Limited.

The Commission is investigating a runway incursion incident at Hamilton Aerodrome involving an Airbus A321 aeroplane registration VH-A5E operating as JQ166 operated by Jetstar Airways and a Cessna 172 registration ZK-TAP operated by Ardmore Flying School. The reported circumstances were that the A320 was on the ground, backtracking along the aerodrome’s main runway 18L ahead of departing for Sydney. The Cessna was airborne, approaching to land; on the same runway.

The Commission is investigating an incident involving a de Havilland Canada DHC-3 Otter float plane operated by Volcanic Air, registration ZK-VAS. The reported circumstances were that the aircraft was on a scenic flight near Rotorua when it experienced engine trouble that led to an engine failure. The pilot successfully completed a glide approach and landing. There were no reported injuries to the pilot or passengers.

The Commission is assisting the United Kingdom’s Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) in their investigation of a fatal accident involving a Europa XS aircraft, registration G-BZNY, at Sherburn in Elmet airfield in Yorkshire, UK, on 2 November 2025.

The Commission is assisting the United Kingdom’s Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) in their investigation of a Robinson R44 helicopter’s emergency landing, roll-over, fatal injuries for one person.

The Commission is investigating a collision between a northbound freight train and a heavy road vehicle at the Elizabeth Street level crossing in Waikanae at 0620 on 15 October 2025. The reported circumstances were that a large articulated truck (Titan Mack tractor unit) hauling a low loader with an earthmoving vehicle on board) had become stranded on the level crossing while attempting to cross it. The approach of a freight train activated protection barriers, which came down on the tractor unit. The train then collided with the tractor unit.