Army chopper crashed after evasive action, report finds
DEFENCE AVIATION SAFETY REPORT KEY FINDINGS OF FATAL ARMY HELICOPTER CRASH OFF QUEENSLAND'S WHITSUNDAY ISLANDS
* On the night of July 28, 2023 an MRH-90 Taipan of the 6th Aviation Regiment plunged into the sea while flying in formation with three other choppers on a mission during Exercise Talisman Sabre 23
* Captain Danniel Lyon, Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Warrant Officer Class Two Joseph Laycock and Corporal Alexander Naggs died in the crash
* In response, the Director of the Defence Flight Safety Bureau formed an investigative team to determine the cause of the crash, identify factors that contributed to it and recommend safety improvements to prevent a recurrence
* The investigation concluded the primary cause of the accident was an unrecognised loss of spatial orientation, commonly referred to as spatial disorientation, meaning the pilots misperceived the aircraft's position in the air
* Due to low altitude and the high rate of descent of the aircraft the investigation concluded the pilots did not have time to regain an accurate picture of the helicopter's orientation and take recovery action before impact
* Varying visibility in overcast and showery conditions, where the horizon was more than likely not discernible, contributed to the pilots' spatial disorientation while they were maintaining formation using night vision devices
* Cabin doors were closed to minimise crew exposure to rain and low temperatures but this restricted visibility and the ability of crew to alert the pilot to where the aircraft was in relation to the sea
* The investigation found the pilots were likely experiencing a level of fatigue shown to impede optimal performance and increase susceptibility to spatial disorientation
* Policy relating to rostering practices was also found to be sub-optimal, contributing to an environment where fatigue-related risks were not mitigated effectively
* The investigation found the aircraft's engine and flight control systems were operating normally and there were no structural failures of the helicopter prior to impact
* It was also found that demands on key personnel responsible for aviation safety often exceeded workforce capacity, which likely degraded the effectiveness of Army Aviation's safety, quality and risk management systems
* The report does not seek to apportion blame or determine liability and does not recommend disciplinary or administrative action against organisations or individuals
* It identified 196 findings, resulting in 46 recommendations which have all been accepted by the Defence Aviation Authority
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This is occurring at a time of increasing geopolitical stress, meaning we can't just call in the Army to support response and recovery efforts. Our troops now considered a last resort to support state and territory-based emergency services. Ensuring adequate resources to meet the demands of future disasters requires urgent attention and action. After previous disasters, calls were made for federally funded emergency response initiatives such as a national firefighting force, but these duplicate existing structures and are expensive. While no one strategy will be a panacea, action is needed now to ensure a volunteer disaster workforce is prepared for tomorrow and beyond. Five evidence-informed strategies merit attention: 1. Make it easier for people to volunteer through streamlined recruitment and onboarding of volunteers, recognising existing skills. Ensuring the required infrastructure is provided, including facilities, vehicles, equipment and volunteer support staff. 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