News 2020

Photo - the Kota Bahagia with smoke emitting from the fire in the hold

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 crew have been accounted for.

Photo - TAIC investigators inspect the helicopter wreckage on the beach

Aviation Update: Inquiry into helicopter accident at Kekerengu River

A TAIC team has been on site at the Kekerengu River mouth, commencing investigations into the causes and circumstances of a fatal accident involving an Airbus Helicopter EC120. TAIC removed the wreckage from the site late today (Wed 16 Dec 2020)

TAIC investigators inspect the helicopter wreckage on the beach | Photo: RNZ- Tracy Neal

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 from Christchurch with five persons on board when it lost control, descended and impacted shallow water close to the beach. Two persons on board have been reported as fatally injured, and three seriously injured in the accident.

The accident helicopter in 2013

Aviation TAIC Final Report - fatal in-flight breakup of helicopter at Lake Wanaka, July 2018

Fatal R44 helicopter in-flight break-up. Main rotor blade bent, struck cabin. Likely cause: mast bumping in strong unexpected turbulence, speed a factor. Turbulence is a major risk for Robinson helicopters; pilots should plan for it.

Photo - one of the engines, opened for inspection

Aviation Closure of inquiries into 787 Rolls-Royce engine issues, December 2017

The Commission has resolved its inquiries into two incidents involving Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines on Boeing 787s, late 2017. TAIC satisfied with engine maker’s safety improvements and turbine blade replacement programme.

Photo of Gulf Livestock 1 in 2018

Marine TAIC assisting Panama investigation into loss of Gulf Livestock 1 

Panama’s inquiry into the loss in the South China Sea of the Gulf Livestock 1 is receiving assistance from TAIC. Under international protocols, investigations into accidents on the high seas fall to the vessel’s flag state – in this case, Panama. 

Photo of the level crossing / Google

Rail TAIC investigating Bus v locomotive accident at Bunnythorpe

TAIC has opened an inquiry into the causes and circumstances of a the accident involving a railway locomotive and a bus between Palmerston North and Bunnythorpe. The bus driver was fatally injured as a result of the accident. It is reported that the level crossing was protected with flashing lights and bells. TAIC calling for witnesses.

Photo of Gulf Livestock 1 taken in 2018

TAIC statement on Gulf Livestock 1 accident

The Gulf Livestock 1 accident occurred on the high seas. International protocols governing investigations in this situation fall to the vessel’s flag state – Panama. TAIC has been in touch with Panama to offer assistance if required.

The Funing being assisted by Port of Tauranga tugs, off Mauao-Mt Maunganui. Photo_Stu James via SunLive

Marine New inquiry into loss of power on bulk carrier Funing

New TAIC inquiry: Bulk carrier Funing-9690913, departing Tauranga harbour, in main channel, when it lost power, dropped anchors, was assisted by tugs. No pollution nor injuries reported.

Photo-diagram showing location of crew and cables just before the accident

Marine TAIC report – log ship seaman fatally injured when cable snapped

TAIC report: On a ship loading logs, a seaman was fatally injured, hit by equipment recoiling when wire snapped. Crew lacked guidance on hazards & safe working. Operator’s safety management system lacked safety assessment.