News 2024

close-up photo of the Blue Ferry after the accident. The midships port side is catastrophically smashed up and in splinters, including the wheelhouse.

Marine TAIC report - Collision of small passenger ferry and recreational boat

Report on collision of Bay of Islands Blue Ferry with recreational boat.
(1) Every commercial marine operator must have a safety management system that’s fit for purpose.
(2) No skipper can be sure everything is fine on another vessel. Keep looking, listening, and thinking about risk of collision until both vessels are getting further apart.

Photo looking down the full length of the starboard waist walkway of the main deck deck of the Paovosa Brave. All stanchions are raised on the right. The outside structures of the main deck hatches rise on the left. In the middle foreground at about head height hangs the main blck and hook of the Number 3 Crane.

Marine TAIC reports on serious injury on Bulk carrier Poavosa Brave off Tauranga 

TAIC final report. Crew member seriously injured because workmates didn't know what each other was doing. Accidents happen when people don't communicate. Safety-critical worker did unauthorised work, didn't tell responsible officers, negating the abilities and authorities of those in command to keep people safe. Communicate the plan, double-check plan is still the plan, and speak up if danger looms.

New TAIC Chief Commissioner appointed

David Clarke is the new Chief Commissioner of the Transport Accident Investigation Commission announced by Associate Transport Minister Hon Matt Doocey

Portrait photo of Jane Meares

Retirement of Chief Commissioner Jane Meares

Jane Meares, Chief Commissioner of the Transport Accident Investigation Commission, has advised the Associate Minister of Transport, Hon Matt Doocey of her retirement, effective from 30 September 2024.

File photo of the incident aircraft. It is airborne, viewed from below, soon after takeoff, climbing with its landing gear up

Aviation TAIC investigating ATR engine incident on approach to Wellington Airport

AO-2024-006 ATR engine issue on approach to Wellington Airport, 1 September 2024. Reported circumstances: ATR72 passenger aircraft, issues with engine during final approach to Wellington Airport. The plane was at about 300 feet when there was a low oil pressure caution, then an engine fault and engine fire warning. The Pilot declared a mayday, landed safely and stopped on the runway. Airport emergency services attended promptly. All on board evacuated with no serious injuries reported.

The barge lies embedded in the beach

Marine TAIC investigating barge grounding on Westport beach

MO-2024-205 Manahau, grounding, Westport, 31 August 2024
Reported circumstances: Niue flagged self-propelled barge with 11 crew on board was anchored outside Westport Harbour. In poor weather, it dragged anchors and grounded on nearby Carters Beach at about 1145pm on 31 Aug 2024.

Mosaic of photos of TAIC accident investigators on site

TAIC hiring data recovery specialist

We're seeking a technical data expert to join the investigation services team. It's a specialist role, interesting work, with smart people, doing good. It will expose you to an incredibly interesting environment assisting in interpretation of recovered data for air, marine, and rail investigations.

Photo across Queenstown Airport's Southern Apron with the two helicopters airborne in the middle distance

Aviation Final report on reported air proximity incident at Queenstown Airport

2 helicopters came into potential conflict due to contrasting mental models, confusion over who is doing what, congested airspace. CAA and others are working to address safety issue, so no recommendation.

The ship aground.

Marine TAIC investigating Aratere grounding

TAIC is opening an inquiry into the incident involving the Interislander ferry Aratere ferry, which reportedly ran aground in the late evening of 21 June 2024, soon after it departed Picton.

Freight wagons lie in their sides, beside tracks deformed by flood washout

Rail TAIC report - train derailment in foul weather

Freight train derailed after floodwater washed out track ballast. TAIC issues 3 recommendations to KiwiRail to resolve safety issues with foul weather responsiveness and staff training, knowledge of risks/hazards re waterways next to railways.