MRH-90 crash investigation report released
Australian Defence Force’s Aviation Safety Investigation Report into the MRH-90 Taipan helicopter accident on 28 July 2023 has been released.
FILE PHOTO: Wreaths laid at the commemoration service for the one year anniversary of the MRH-90 Taipan crash, at Swartz Barracks, Queensland. Photo by Corporal Cameron Pegg.
Captain Danniel Lyon, Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Warrant Officer Class 2 Joseph ‘Phillip’ Laycock and Corporal Alexander Naggs lost their lives in the accident when their helicopter impacted waters in the vicinity of the Whitsunday Islands during Exercise Talisman Sabre 23.
A Defence statement said the aviation safety investigation was one of the most complex conducted by Defence in recent history.
“Aviation safety investigations do not seek to apportion blame or liability on individuals or organisations.
“The investigation concluded that the primary cause of the accident was an unrecognised loss of spatial orientation – commonly referred to as spatial disorientation – leading to controlled flight into terrain.
The report identifies 196 findings, indirect findings and observations, which informs 46 recommendations across the Defence Aviation Safety Program.
Defence Aviation Authority has accepted and is actioning all of the report’s recommendations, and has issued direction to assure these recommendations are completed, and the outcomes are assessed for effectiveness of implementation.
Defence said the release of the report followed essential debriefings with Defence Aviation rotary-wing units, applicable Defence organisations and affected personnel.
“This important debriefing process was integral to ensuring the protection of the generative safety culture and the lives of the Defence aviation community.
“Defence has provided the report to the Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force and Comcare and is in the process of providing it to the Queensland Coroner.
“The wellbeing of the families of the crew, crews involved in the mission and personnel within Army Aviation remains Defence’s top priority.”
If you or anyone you know is adversely affected by this story, please use one of the following helplines:
- Defence All-hours Support Line (ASL) – 1800 628 036
- Defence Member and Family Support – 1800 624 608
- Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling – 1800 011 046
- Lifeline – 13 11 14
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God watch over them and their families.