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Rail TAIC investigating locomotive derailment at Tamaki, Auckland
A solitary locomotive was travelling from the Ports of Auckland to Westfield. At about 1:30am, it derailed and rolled onto its side at the Tamaki rail siding on the North Island Main trunk. Two of the three crew suffered minor injury.
Marine MO-2022-202 & MO-2022-203, Independent inquiry into port operations accidents at Lyttelton and Auckland
TAIC is inquiring into the fatal accidents at Lyttelton Port and Ports of Auckland. The Minister of Transport directed TAIC to inquire into the circumstances and causes of the two accidents and provide an independent safety-focused investigation to determine any potential system-wide lessons. The accident at Ports of Auckland was on 19 April, in which a stevedore reportedly fell from height during loading operations for a container ship. The accident at Lyttelton Port happened on 25 April during coal loading operations for a bulk carrier ship.
Marine TAIC report summary: MO-2021-203: Collision FV ‘Commission’ and container ship ‘Kota Lembah,’
Recommendations relate to: watchkeeping standards & practice; collision prevention rules; fatigue. Fishing vessel suffered non-critical damage when it collided with stationary container ship Kota Lembah.
Aviation Two Dash-8s avoid collision on approach to Wellington Airport
Two Dash-8s avoided collision on approach to Wellington Airport (saved by human and automated systems) after one Dash-8 followed the wrong lead aircraft. Nobody hurt, no damage. All safety issues are resolved, so no new TAIC recommendations.
Marine Independent investigation into Enchanter sinking
The fishing charter vessel Enchanter foundered (filled with water – some parts of the wreck floated, while other parts sank) offshore from North Cape on the night of 20/21 March.
Aviation Commercial hot air balloon pilots need to buckle up
In a preliminary report on two commercial hot air balloon accidents, TAIC is calling for pilots to be required to wear harnesses during critical phases of flight. Currently they’re exempt. So pilots who follow rules risk being ejected, seriously injured, & losing control of aircraft. All passengers at risk.
Aviation TAIC investigating helicopter accident at Karamea, 2 January 2022
TAIC has opened an inquiry into a helicopter accident involving a Robinson R22 helicopter at Karamea on the South Island West Coast on 2 January 2022. The helicopter was approaching to land when it experienced difficulties, pitched down and impacted the ground hard. The pilot, the only person on board, has reportedly suffered serious injuries and been flown to hospital.
Aviation TAIC investigating hot air balloon accident near Ashburton
TAIC is investigating the hot air balloon accident on the morning of 1 January 2022 near Asburton. TAIC is calling for anyone to come forward if they saw the accident or observed the balloon in flight. Reportedly, during a rough landing, the balloon pilot was ejected from the basket, was caught in a rope, and dragged some way before the balloon came to rest and the basket tipped over. The pilot is reported to have been seriously injured in the accident.
TAIC inquiring into freight train derailment near Marton
A pair of locomotives was hauling a long train of freight wagons. Flood waters had damaged the line. Reportedly, one locomotive and 12 wagons derailed. No injuries were reported.
Rail TAIC final report – fatal level crossing accident train and car, Morrinsville
Two people died when a freight train ran into a car at a level crossing, caused by confusion for the car driver in a complicated roadworks operation. Traffic management plans for roadworks at level crossings must identify all risks to road and rail vehicles. Work in the rail corridor must only be done with a permit from the rail access provider.