Find an inquiry
The following section analyses the circumstances surrounding the event to identify those factors that increased the likelihood of the event occurring or increased the severity of its outcome.
Find a recommendation
A complete list of recommendations from safety inquiries, along with links to the investigations that led to them, so that those with the authority to make changes can act on them.
Learn about TAIC's safety watchlist
Policy makers, regulatory agencies, and transport sector participants need to take faster action to deal with these long standing and serious transport safety concerns.
Latest updates
Aviation
AO-2025-011
The Commission is investigating an accident in which a Robinson R66 helicopter crashed on coastal land near the Makara Wind Farm, to the West of Wellington. The reported circumstances were that activation of the helicopter’s Emergency Locator Transmitter alerted emergency services. The pilot was recovered by the Westpac helicopter and taken to Wellington Hospital. The helicopter, registration ZK-IXT was operated by SCN Helicopters Limited.
Incident date:
In progress
Aviation
AO-2025-009
The Commission is investigating a runway incursion incident at Hamilton Aerodrome involving an Airbus A321 aeroplane registration VH-A5E operating as JQ166 operated by Jetstar Airways and a Cessna 172 registration ZK-TAP operated by Ardmore Flying School. The reported circumstances were that the A320 was on the ground, backtracking along the aerodrome’s main runway 18L ahead of departing for Sydney. The Cessna was airborne, approaching to land; on the same runway.
Incident date:
In progress
Aviation
AO-2025-010
The Commission is investigating an incident involving a de Havilland Canada DHC-3 Otter float plane operated by Volcanic Air, registration ZK-VAS. The reported circumstances were that the aircraft was on a scenic flight near Rotorua when it experienced engine trouble that led to an engine failure. The pilot successfully completed a glide approach and landing. There were no reported injuries to the pilot or passengers.
Incident date:
In progress
Rail
RO-2025-108
The Commission is investigating a collision between a northbound freight train and a heavy road vehicle at the Elizabeth Street level crossing in Waikanae at 0620 on 15 October 2025. The reported circumstances were that a large articulated truck (Titan Mack tractor unit) hauling a low loader with an earthmoving vehicle on board) had become stranded on the level crossing while attempting to cross it. The approach of a freight train activated protection barriers, which came down on the tractor unit. The train then collided with the tractor unit.
Incident date:
In progress
Aviation
AO-2025-008
The Commission is assisting the Australian Transport Safety Bureau’s investigation of an incident involving a Pilatus PC-6 / B2-H4 aircraft.
Incident date:
In progress
Aviation
AO-2025-006
The Commission is assisting an investigation by the Komite Nasional Keselamatan Transportasi (KNKT) of the Republic of Indonesia, which is investigating an accident involving a PAC 750XL aircraft registered PK-SNU operated by Smart Cakrawala Aviation.
Incident date:
In progress
Aviation
AO-2025-007
The Commission is assisting the Australian Transport Safety Bureau’s investigation of an incident involving a Gippsland Aeronautics GA-8 aircraft, registration VH-LHC.
Incident date:
In progress
Aviation
AO-2025-004
The Commission is investigating an incident involving a Boeing 787-9 operating as NZ175 from Auckland to Perth, in international airspace over the Tasman Sea.
Incident date:
In progress
Rail
RO-2025-107
The Commission is investigating an incident involving the TranzAlpine service on 5 August 2025. The reported circumstances were that the train was travelling towards Christchurch. The train had passed through Otira tunnel when the locomotive engineer reported diesel leaking onto the running board of the lead locomotive.
Incident date:
In progress
