Inquiries & Recommendations

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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.

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.

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.

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.

The Commission is assisting the Australian Transport Safety Bureau’s investigation of an incident involving a Pilatus PC-6 / B2-H4 aircraft.

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.

The Commission is assisting the Australian Transport Safety Bureau’s investigation of an incident involving a Gippsland Aeronautics GA-8 aircraft, registration VH-LHC.

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.

Overseas assistance inquiry under Section 8(2)(e) of the Transport Accident Investigation Commission Act 1990, which authorises the Commission to "cooperate and coordinate with other accident investigation organisations overseas, including taking evidence on their behalf." The reported circumstances were that on 5 August 2025, the skipper of the Mollie, a New Zealand-registered recreational vessel, was seriously injured and later died when winch equipment malfunctioned. The accident occurred when the vessel was off the west coast of the Isle of Wight, United Kingdom.

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.

TAIC is investigating an accident involving a Bell 206L-3 LongRanger helicopter, registration ZK-IGD, that occurred about 15km north-west of Whakatane near Matatā at around 1500 on 27 July 2025.

TAIC is investigating an accident on board the bulk carrier Olivia. The reported circumstances were that during work on a boiler in the engine room there was an explosion or flashback, causing injury to the three crew members.