Inquiries & Recommendations

Ngā ketuketutanga me ngā tūtohunga

TAIC provided support for this overseas inquiry. This support is now complete. TAIC will not produce a report for this inquiry. This is a responsibility of Panama authorities.

The log carrier Funing was departing port when its main engine failed. Drifting in the current, its propeller and rudder tangled in a buoy mooring chain. A fuel injection unit had seized due to coking debris caused by low-viscosity low-sulphur fuel. Ship’s crew unaware of latest maintenance guidance about effect of low-sulphur fuel on engine. Key issues: engine maintenance, tug assistance, crew resource management.

A glider crashed near the summit of Mount Tauhara, Taupō, killing the two people on board – an instructor & student. Safety issues relate to pilot competency associated with ridge soaring and instructor training at Taupō. TAIC has recommended that Taupo Gliding Club and Gliding NZ upgrade their systems to improve safety.

A freight train collided with a hi-Rail vehicle on the main south-line between Milton and Henley in South Otago. The occupant of the Hi-Rail vehicle exited prior to impact and was not injured. The hi-Rail was substantially damaged.

Medical incapacity as likely as not cause of fatal accident near Masterton in April 2020. On take-off, an agricultural aircraft ran off a farm airstrip. It struck rough ground, undercarriage broke, damaged a wing, plunged over a steep drop off, was wrecked on impact with floor of valley beyond and caught fire. The sole pilot occupant did not survive. No new safety issues, no new recommendations.

A passenger train collided with a truck, fatally injuring the truck driver. Truck had stopped but phone call distracted truck driver, who reduced pressure on brake and truck moved onto track. TAIC calls for formal determinations whether to implement level crossing safety recommendations; and a formal approach to prioritise upgrades for highest risk level crossings.

Bulk carrier & commercial fishing boat collided in good visibility night conditions. No substantial damage, no serious injuries or fatalities. Those operating each vessel, aware of the other, acted too late. Neither made best use of radar. Bulk carrier bridge team distracted by passengers. Fishing boat watchkeeper should have known more about collision-prevention rules.

New Zealand has completed its support for this inquiry. Please note: TAIC will not be producing a report for this inquiry.

Two people died when freight train ran into car at level crossing, cause by confusion for the car driver in complicated roadworks operation. Traffic management plans for roadworks at level crossings must identify all risks to road and rail vehicles. Work in the rail corridor must only be done with a permit from the rail access provider.

A passenger train leaving Wellington station ran a red light because a radio call distracted its driver. The red signal protected an inbound passenger train. Both trains stopped just in time. TAIC reminds KiwiRail of 2017 TAIC recommendation to urgently minimise risks for trains in Wellington rail yards. In the meantime, Train drivers must be more cautious, concentrate.

New Zealand has completed its support for this inquiry. Please note: TAIC will not be producing a report for this inquiry.

On 30 September 2019, a 47-minute outage disrupted Airways New Zealand’s air traffic services. Christchurch controllers lost radar data and primary communications, operating in a degraded display mode and using backup systems. Auckland controllers experienced a shorter loss before switching to local bypass surveillance. Despite the disruption, all 41 domestic flights in controlled airspace landed safely with no loss of separation.