Latest updates
Rail RO-2025-106: Passenger train near miss with track workers, Plimmerton, 8 May 2025
TAIC is investigating a worksite incident where a Transdev passenger train nearly collided with track workers, near Plimmerton on the North Island Main Trunk Line.
The reported circumstances were that track workers were attempting to dislodge a piece of work equipment that had become stuck on the track. They managed to clear the track just before the train arrived but were unable to remove the equipment. Upon seeing the workers, the train driver applied emergency braking and successfully stopped the train before it collided with the equipment.
There were no passengers on the train and no injuries were reported.
Near-collision highlights safety lessons for all busy, unattended aerodromes
Two aircraft came within 20 feet of each other on final approach at night at Ardmore Airport. TAIC report highlights safety lessons for pilots, aircraft owners, engineers, and aerodrome operators at busy unattended aerodromes. It shows how communication, visibility, and access to shared procedures…
Rail RO-2023-106: Passenger train 804, TranzAlpine, train parting, Arthur’s Pass, 17 December 2023
Passenger train parts at low speed, inspection and response gaps exposed.
A cracked coupler, unnoticed in maintenance, caused carriages on the TranzAlpine tourist train to part. Power braking stress, missed alarms, and no procedure for crew to deal with partings revealed wider risks.
Aviation TAIC inquiry proves vortex ring state safety risk for helicopters worldwide
A rescue helicopter crashed in mountainous terrain after entering vortex ring state—a dangerous flight condition where the main rotor loses lift in descent rate increases. Key safety points:
o Pilots need a deep…
Aviation AO-2023-010: Kawasaki BK117 B-2, ZK-HHJ, Collision with terrain, Mount Pirongia, 19 September 2023
A rescue helicopter crashed in mountainous terrain after entering vortex ring state (VRS)—a dangerous flight condition where the main rotor loses lift And a sudden increase in the helicopter’s rate of descent. This may…
Marine MO-2024-201: Passenger vessel, Fiordland Navigator, Grounding, Doubtful Sound, 24 January 2024
The Fiordland Navigator ran aground after the fatigued master almost certainly fell asleep at the helm. TAIC found gaps in fatigue management, monitoring of medical fitness, and risk controls for sole-charge masters.…
Rail RO-2025-105: Collision, freight train and HRV, Kaimai Tunnel portal, 6 April 2025
TAIC is investigating a collision between a freight train and a Hi-Rail vehicle. The accident occurred at about 12:42 on 6 April 2025, near the western entrance of the Kaimai Tunnel on the East Coast Main Trunk Line.…
Marine MO-2022-206: Charter fishing vessel, i-Catcher, Capsize, Goose Bay, New Zealand, 10 September 2022
New TAIC #marinesafety report highlights nationwide and international safety issues with emergency equipment, NZ emergency rescue sector, maritime regulations, standards. 8m aluminium boat capsized. Six survived. Five…
Marine MO-2023-206: Fishing vessel, Austro Carina, Stranding at Red Bay, Banks Peninsula, 24 September 2023
New TAIC report on a failure to ensure safe navigation while the crew were fishing. Fishing vessel Austro Carina stranded because a turn took it toward land and nobody was in the wheelhouse to stop it happening.…