Inquiries & Recommendations

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The Commission is inquiring into an accident on 17 May 2026 involving a commercially operated Airbus AS350B3 helicopter, registration ZK-IJW. The reported circumstances were that the helicopter crashed into a mountainside in Mount Aspiring National Park approximately 24 kilometres west of Makarora, north of Wanaka. Reportedly, there were two fatalities and three passengers with minor injuries.

The Commission is investigating a reported pair of derailments that involved the same freight train on the Main South Line the night of 16 April 2026. Reportedly, the first occurred near Allanton and the second in the Dunedin rail yard. Both derailments reportedly involved the train’s rolling stock, which remained upright but sustained serious damage. There were no injuries to people.

The Commission is investigating a person overboard from the commercial New Zealand-flagged fishing vessel, Amaltal Mariner in the South Pacific Ocean. The reported circumstances were that at approximately 2240 on 5 April 2026, a crew member was knocked overboard by a float while deploying fishing gear. Reportedly the vessel was approximately 215 nautical miles east of the Auckland Islands. Immediate efforts did not locate the missing crew member and at time of opening this inquiry they remained unaccounted for.

The Commission is investigating a safe working irregularity just North of Dunedin Railway Station. The reported circumstances included that a freight train entered a worksite after incorrect removal of blocking on the Main South Line between Dunedin and Sawyers Bay - resulting in a near miss between the freight train and track workers operating a Hi Rail Vehicle.

The Commission is investigating a collision between a freight train and a private motor vehicle on the Marton to New Plymouth Line on 25 February 2026. The reported circumstances were that a loaded northbound freight train and a car collided at a railway level crossing near Lepperton. The car’s two occupants were seriously injured and there was extensive damage to the car.

The Commission is assisting the Australian Transport Safety Bureau’s investigation of an incident involving a Boeing 737-8BK freight aircraft registered ZK-TXB on 16 February 2026 at Melbourne Aerodrome (Tullamarine Airport).

The Commission is investigating an accident involving a commercial passenger vessel grounding in Akaroa Harbour on 31 January 2026.

The Commission is investigating an accident involving a Bell 206L-3 helicopter approximately 15km southwest of Raetihi at about 7am on 13 December 2025. The reported circumstances were that the helicopter impacted terrain with one fatality, the pilot, who was the sole occupant on board.

TAIC is investigating the grounding of the fishing vessel Taudre, after which the crew abandoned ship, the vessel later refloated and drifted, and additional crew re-boarded with Coastguard assistance to manage flooding from a hull breach. The Taudre was towed to anchorage for assessment.

At Auckland Aerodrome an Airbus A380-861 damage to two of the aeroplane’s tyres and wheels. No injuries have been reported.

The Commission is investigating a serious incident involving an ATR 72-600 aeroplane, registration ZK-MVQ, operated by Air New Zealand, on 27 November 2025. The reported circumstances were that the commercial flight was on approach to Nelson Aerodrome when the flight crew received a landing gear warning and conducted a go-around. The aeroplane diverted to Auckland Aerodrome and landed safely.

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.