The Commission investigated a worksite incident on the Main South Line, near Mataura in Southland. A KiwiRail freight train was travelling at line speed (80 km/h) when it passed a group of workers who were close to the track, maintaining a signal system. Initial reports suggest that the drivers of trains on this line were unaware of the temporary speed restriction of 10 km/h that had been authorised for this section of track. In the event, no injuries were reported.
Incident date: Publish date:Grounding of a pilot vessel in restricted visibility near Bluff highlights how routine navigation habits and the use of electronic tools play a critical role in maritime safety.
Incident date: Publish date:An Airbus A320 passenger aircraft experienced an engine malfunction en route from Wellington to Sydney. The aircraft diverted and landed safely at Auckland Airport.
Incident date: Publish date: Not yet publishedTwo on-track workers performing routine maintenance on an overhead power line were in boom basket of elevated work platform. Each received electric shock. Both hospitalised.
Incident date: Publish date: Not yet publishedATR72 passenger plane, final approach to Wellington. After low oil pressure caution, fault & fire warnings for left engine, pilot declared mayday, landed safely & stopped. All on board evacuated, no serious injuries.
Incident date: Publish date: Not yet publishedThe reported circumstances were that the Niue flagged self-propelled barge with 11 crew on board, had been anchored outside Westport Harbour. In poor weather, it dragged anchors and grounded on nearby Carters Beach at about 1145pm on 31 Aug 2024. A protection order preserves and protects evidence - including all electronic data from the vessel and onboard equipment such as propulsion, power supply and anchor systems. Nobody may access the items listed unless permitted by the Commission. The master and others can still act for the safety of the vessel, environment or people on board.
Incident date: Publish date: Not yet publishedA freight train passed two stop signals, entered section of track without authority, narrowly avoiding a collision with a hi-rail truck that had permission to be there. Train driver expected a clear track and misread signals and radio calls while using mobile phone. The train had no engineering safeguards to stop it. TAIC found over-reliance on rail people being perfect, and a rising nationwide rate of signals passed at danger, calls for stronger engineering controls and oversight.
Incident date: Publish date:An Airbus AS350BA helicopter crashed into the ground near the Paringa River mouth on the West Coast.
Incident date: Publish date: Not yet publishedAratere grounded after unintended turn while on autopilot. Report highlights management of safety-critical equipment change, operational differences not known, gaps in management oversight, training
Incident date: Publish date:An Airbus A320 veered off a taxiway after landing. A hydraulic failure during the flight had disabled nosewheel steering and one engine’s thrust reverser. Uneven thrust sent the plane onto the grass. Nobody was injured, but one engine was significantly damaged. TAIC calls on Airbus to update manuals, and stresses careful inspection of high-pressure hydraulic parts.
Incident date: Publish date:The Japanese fishing vessel Chokyu Maru No.68, with 27 crew aboard, grounded on rocks near The Noises island group while inbound to the Auckland pilot boarding area.
Incident date: Publish date:Deck of rail bridge sagged after a pier went missing in flood waters. There were no trains on the bridge at the time and trains were prevented from crossing the bridge.
Incident date: Publish date: Not yet published