Latest updates
Aviation AO-2025-001 : AO-2025-001 AS350 helicopter, hard landing, Mount Madeline, 12 January 2025
TAIC report highlights the need for pilots, operators, and staff to carefully assess confined landing sites and underlines the value of effective recovery procedures.
A helicopter was landing on a relatively flat part of a rocky mountainside. A rock broke under a skid, the tail dropped and the tail rotor struck a boulder. As the pilot attempted to reposition, the main rotor struck a boulder causing violent shaking. The pilot landed and shut down the helicopter. The helicopter was severely damage but nobody was injured.
The operator had good training, oversight and accident management procedures.
Aviation AO-2025-009: Runway incursion, Cessna 172R, Hamilton, 8 November 2025
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…
Rail RO-2025-101: Train 931, Safe working irregularity, 553.82 km Main South Line, Mataura, 12 January 2025
Open communications channels are better than closed for safety-critical information.
New TAIC report: It’s risky to use closed channels such as cellphones when communicating safety-critical information, and more hazardous when third parties kept in the dark. Maintenance workers and road…
Aviation AO-2025-010: Engine failure, de Havilland Canada DHC-3 Otter, Rotorua, 6 November 2025
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…
Rail RO-2025-108: Freight train collided with heavy road vehicle at level crossing, Waikanae, 15 October 2025
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…
Aviation AO-2025-004: Boeing 787-9, inflight fuel imbalance, over Tasman Sea, 14 August 2025
The Commission is investigating an incident involving a Boeing 787-9 operating as NZ175 from Auckland to Perth, in international airspace over the Tasman Sea. The reported circumstances were that the crew noticed a fuel…
Rail RO-2025-107: TranzAlpine locomotive, fuel leak, near Arthur’s Pass, 5 August 2025
The Commission is investigating an incident involving the TranzAlpine service on 5 August 2025. The reported circumstances were that the train was travelling towards Christchurch. The train had passed through Otira…
Aviation AO-2025-003: Bell 206L-3, impacted ground, near Matatā, 27 July 2025
TAIC is investigating an accident involving a Bell 206L-3 LongRanger helicopter. The reported circumstances were that shortly after lift-off the helicopter experienced violent shaking and it impacted the ground.…
Marine News: QA issues with ship steering gear installs
TAIC report: Rudder failure highlights installation safety issue
TAIC identifies serious safety issue: the need for robust quality assurance when installing steering systems.
A cargo ship narrowly avoided…