Defence report into MRH-90 helicopter crash complete

The Defence Flight Safety Bureau (DFSB) has finalised its Aviation Safety Investigation Report into the accident on 28 July 2023, during Exercise Talisman Sabre 23, when an MRH-90 Taipan helicopter impacted waters in vicinity of the Whitsunday Islands.

FILE PHOTO: A Royal Australian Navy sailor on the bridge of HMAS Brisbane keeps watch during search operations for the crashed MRH-90 in the vicinity of Lindeman Island during Exercise Talisman Sabre 23. Photo by Leading Seaman Hannah Linsley.

Captain Danniel Lyon, Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Warrant Officer Class 2 Joseph ‘Phillip’ Laycock and Corporal Alexander Naggs tragically lost their lives in the accident.

This 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 analysed causal and contributory factors spanning individual/crew actions, local conditions, risk controls and organisational influences in order to make recommendations for safety improvement and prevent re-occurrence of similar events.

The report identifies a number of findings and recommendations across the Defence Aviation Safety Program, but details will not be made public for several weeks.

Families of the crew, crews involved in the mission and personnel within Army Aviation were briefed today on the findings of the report.

DFSB is required to provide the report to the Inspector General of the Australian Defence Force, Comcare and Queensland Coroner upon request.

DFSB will provide a publicly releasable report upon completion of essential debriefings with Defence Aviation rotary-wing units, applicable Defence organisations and affected personnel.

This important debrief process is integral to ensure the ADF protects the generative safety culture and the lives of the Defence aviation community.

Defence is providing the families, the crews involved in the mission and personnel within Army Aviation, and Defence Aviation Safety Authority, with the report findings to ensure a shared awareness of causal and contributory factors of the accident, and key recommendations to improve our safety systems for all.

A Defence statement said the accident, and the report’s findings and recommendations, serve as a catalyst for organisational reflection and to reaffirm its enduring aspiration for a generative safety culture.

“Defence is committed to a culture that maintains a persistent state of vigilance, is receptive to learning, is willing to respond to opportunities, and that maintains a collective commitment to protecting our people.”

The public report will be available in May.

Chief of Army Lieutenant General Simon Stuart said that today his thoughts and prayers are with the families of the crew, their loved ones, their friends and colleagues.

“Tomorrow I will join with the Army Aviation community as they honour their mates, reflect on
what we have learned and look to our future,” Lieutenant General Stuart said.

“I acknowledge the tireless efforts of everyone who has been involved with the Aviation
Safety Investigation and thank them for their efforts.

“I acknowledge the countless hours of diligent work by the independent investigators, the
Army Aviation Command team who have dealt with the loss of their mates, while supporting
the inquiries and investigations associated with this tragic event, and to the indefatigable and
dedicated support staff.

“We welcome the conclusion of the Aviation Safety Investigation and note our ongoing
support and contribution to the IGADF inquiry, the COMCARE investigation and Queensland
Coroner.”

 

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