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The wreckage of a crashed BK117 rescue helicopter sits upright in dense bush on a steep slope. The helicopter has a red fuselage with 'RESCUE' and 'King Country – Coromandel' markings, and a yellow tail boom. the main rotor blades are torn up, ripped and distorted from slashing through the trees during the crash sequence. A man in a high-visibility vest bearing the TAIC logo stands with his back to the viewer, looking at the wreck. Another person in rescue gear is partially visible among the vegetation.

Aviation TAIC inquiry proves vortex ring state safety risk for helicopters worldwide

A rescue helicopter crashed in mountainous terrain after entering vortex ring state—a dangerous flight condition where the main rotor loses lift in descent rate increases. Key safety points:
o Pilots need a deep understanding of how VRS develops
o Flight manuals must Identify the flight conditions and parameters conducive to VRS
o VRS alert systems could prevent future accidents

The wreckage of the helicopter

Aviation AO-2023-010: Kawasaki BK117 B-2, ZK-HHJ, Collision with terrain, Mount Pirongia, 19 September 2023

, Inquiry Status: Closed

A rescue helicopter crashed in mountainous terrain after entering vortex ring state (VRS)—a dangerous flight condition where the main rotor loses lift And a sudden increase in the helicopter’s rate of descent. This may be the first globally proven case of VRS directly causing a crash. The…

the vessel at anchor

Marine MO-2024-201: Passenger vessel, Fiordland Navigator, Grounding, Doubtful Sound, 24 January 2024

, Inquiry Status: Closed

The Fiordland Navigator ran aground after the fatigued master almost certainly fell asleep at the helm. TAIC found gaps in fatigue management, monitoring of medical fitness, and risk controls for sole-charge masters. Several passengers and crew suffered minor injuries, but the emergency response…

A white Mitsubishi Fuso truck with rail wheels (a Hi-Rail Vehicle) is on a railway track, facing toward the viewer. The front of the truck shows signs of damage, with a deeply crumpled bumper and further damage and dents to the front panels. The truck's headlights are illuminated, and the windshield reflects the sky. The truck is on a track laid with gravel and wooden sleepers, and metal railings are visible on either side of the track. Lush green vegetation forms the backdrop.

Rail RO-2025-105: Collision, freight train and HRV, Kaimai Tunnel portal, 6 April 2025

, Inquiry Status: Current

TAIC is investigating a collision between a freight train and a Hi-Rail vehicle. The accident occurred at about 12:42 on 6 April 2025, near the western entrance of the Kaimai Tunnel on the East Coast Main Trunk Line.…

Photograph of accident boat. Identifying marks are obscured in post production.

Marine MO-2022-206: Charter fishing vessel, i-Catcher, Capsize, Goose Bay, New Zealand, 10 September 2022

, Inquiry Status: Closed

New TAIC #marinesafety report highlights nationwide and international safety issues with emergency equipment, NZ emergency rescue sector, maritime regulations, standards. 8m aluminium boat capsized. Six survived. Five…

The Austro Carina fishing vessel at the accident site. The vessel lies aground with its right rear quarter under water.

Marine MO-2023-206: Fishing vessel, Austro Carina, Stranding at Red Bay, Banks Peninsula, 24 September 2023

, Inquiry Status: Closed

New TAIC report on a failure to ensure safe navigation while the crew were fishing. Fishing vessel Austro Carina stranded because a turn took it toward land and nobody was in the wheelhouse to stop it happening.…

The image shows a bulk carrier ship named Thor Nitnirund being guided by a tug traversing The Cut at Port Nelson. The ship is large, almost 200 metres long. The dark hull has visible signs of rust near the waterline, and four prominent yellow gantry cranes mounted on deck. The ship’s superstructure is located toward the stern and bears safety messages painted on it. The sky is overcast, with mountains visible in the background.

Marine MO-2025-203: Crew injury on bulk carrier, MV Thor Nitnirund, Cook Strait, 20 March 2025

, Inquiry Status: Current

Reported circumstances: a crew member suffered a serious injury when struck by a snapped rope that had been under tension. Crew members had been using the rope and a winch to retrieve lashing chains* that had fallen…

A blue jet boat speeds through a narrow, turquoise river surrounded by rocky cliffs and rugged terrain. The boat leaves a white water trail as it navigates the clear, shallow waters, carrying passengers who are tightly seated and facing forward. The scene is captured from above, showcasing the contrast between the vibrant water and the gray stone landscape.

Marine MO-2025-202: Jet boat Discovery, Skippers Canyon, Queenstown, 25 February 2025

, Inquiry Status: Current

The Commission is investigating an incident involving a commercial jet boat in Skippers Canyon near Queenstown on 25 February 2025. The reported circumstances were that the jet boat collided with a rock face at speed.…

The incident vessel at sea. File shot.

Marine MO-2025-201: Gas poisoning, Antarctic Discovery, Port of Lyttelton, 21 February 2025

, Inquiry Status: Current

The Commission is investigating a near-fatal incident on board the Australian-registered Fishing Vessel Antarctic Discovery at the Port of Lyttelton on 21 February 2025.
The reported circumstances were that two…