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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.
Aviation Diamond DA42 light plane crash near Taupō - controlled flight into terrain
The March 2019 crash of a Diamond DA42 light plane in the Kaimanawa Ranges near Taupō had the characteristics of a ‘controlled flight into terrain’ accident. Avoiding similar accidents in future depends on pilots understanding CA Rules; using safety technology to its fullest practicable extent, and thinking ahead. And flight training schools need to ensure their staff follow correct procedures.
Marine TAIC investigating fatal boating accident, Manukau Harbour entrance
TAIC is appealing for witnesses who saw, photographed or videoed a boating accident at the entrance to Manukau Harbour on the afternoon of Saturday October 16. Keen to hear as soon as possible from people who saw the accident or observed the boat at any time in its journey.
Aviation TAIC investigating helicopter accident in Lammerlaw Range
TAIC has opened an inquiry into an accident involving an Eurocopter ‘Squirrel’ AS350 helicopter reported to have impacted terrain in the Lammerlaw Range above the Waipoti River, Otago, with one fatality, the pilot, who was the only person on board. TAIC is keen to hear from anyone who heard or saw the helicopter in flight or witnessed the accident.
Rail Inquiry into derailment of passenger train at land slip site, Kapiti Line
New TAIC inquiry into derailment of a Kapiti Line commuter train that derailed between Paekākāriki and Pukerua Bay where a landslip had covered the track. All rolling stock remained upright. 82 passengers and 3 staff disembarked with no injuries. TAIC appealing for witnesses – particularly if they can help us with photographs or videos.