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Marine TAIC publishes final report fatal accident in 2017 on cruise ship Emerald Princess
TAIC has published its report on the February 2017 accident in Port Chalmers, Dunedin, on board the passenger cruise ship Emerald Princess, in which a nitrogen cylinder burst, causing one fatality. The cylinder burst below its normal operating pressure, because it had been weakened by corrosion. Nitrogen cylinder stored energy systems are common on lifeboat launching installations for cruise ships, and there is a lack of global minimum standards for them.
Aviation TAIC publishes interim report on October 2018 fatal Hughes 500 helicopter accident near Wanaka
The Commission has published an interim report on the recent fatal accident near Wanaka Aerodrome on 18 October 2018. The pilot and the two other occupants died in the accident. TAIC Chief Commissioner Jane Meares says a major safety issue highlighted by the interim report is the risk posed by loose items in the cabins of helicopters.
Aviation TAIC publishes interim report on July 2018 fatal Robinson R44 helicopter accident over Lake Wanaka
The report issued today is an interim report, so it includes no formal Findings. All evidence (including of any mast bumping) and the role it may have played in the accident sequence is subject to further investigation.
Aviation Case Study:
In October 2016, the Commission placed an item on its Watchlist titled Robinson helicopters: mast bumping accidents in New Zealand. The item was developed in response to a series of 14 accidents or incidents involving these helicopters (investigated either by the Commission or by the Civil Aviation Authority), including nine where low-G mast bumping is known to have occurred. The Commission sees good progress towards implementation of the actions we were seeking when we first placed this item on the Watchlist. The Commission is encouraged by the efforts taken by the sector since this safety issue has been placed on the Watchlist, particularly the manufacturer’s response to our recommendations, and its demonstrated commitment to safety. The sector must continue its efforts to reduce the risk of mast bumping accidents occurring.
Marine TAIC opens inquiry into fatal accident on fishing vessel San Granit
TAIC has opened an inquiry into a fatal accident on board the New Zealand-registered factory fishing vessel San Granit. The accident occurred some 55 miles East of Banks Peninsula at about 0400 on 14 November 2018.
Aviation Formal order protects evidence at Wanaka crash site
TAIC has issued a formal order to protect evidence associated with a fatal accident involving a Hughes 500 helicopter that crashed near the Clutha River on 18 October 2018.
New Deputy Chief Commissioner
Commissioner Stephen Davies Howard has been appointed Deputy Chief Commissioner from 1 November 2018, replacing Peter McKenzie QC CNZM whose term expires on 31 October. Chief Commissioner Jane Meares said that Mr McKenzie had “made significant contributions of legal wisdom and analytical insight during his tenure”.
Aviation TAIC Update #1 AO-2018-009 TAIC inquiry into crash of helicopter near Wanaka Airport
A team of four TAIC has been continuing the evidence gathering for the Commission’s inquiry into the crash of a helicopter near Wanaka Airport. TAIC’s evidence gathering at this early stage of the inquiry is broad to support the many routes that an investigation of this type may follow.
Aviation AO-2018-009 TAIC opens inquiry into crash of helicopter near Wanaka Airport
The Transport Accident Investigation Commission has opened an inquiry into a helicopter crash that occurred at shortly before 11am today near Wanaka Aerodrome. The Chief Investigator of Accidents, Captain Tim Burfoot, says circumstances reported to date are that the accident involved a Hughes 500 helicopter. “We are in the early stages of gathering information about the aircraft, the circumstances and the people on board,” said Capt. Burfoot.
Marine TAIC adds navigation in pilotage waters to Watchlist
More needs to be done to address errors in ship navigation in pilotage waters. Errors in navigation in pilotage waters carry the risk of serious consequences for people, the environment, and the economy. The Commission launched a new Watchlist item today to focus the attention of regulators, operators and training providers on solving the problem.