Inquiries & Recommendations

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On Friday, 31 May 1996, at about 2034 hours Train 404, the Rotorua - Auckland Geyserland Express, derailed at slow speed while crossing from the East Passenger Loop to the West Loop at Hamilton. There were no injuries. The cause of the derailment was an axle failure on the trailing axle of the railcar. Safety issues identified were the need to improve the inspection and testing regime for Silver Fern axles.

Freight train derailed - floodwater washed out track ballast after heavy rain. TAIC identifies safety issues with: foul weather responsiveness nationwide; staff training to deal with foul weather; and knowledge of risks and hazards associated with waterways next to its railways. Three recommendations to KiwiRail.

Glide approach normal until approx 150 feet on final where a higher sink rate was encountered. It became apparent that power would be required to clear the aerodrome boundary fence and the competitor was instructed by the pilot in command (acting as judge in the right hand seat) to apply power. Throttle application had no effect initially and the aircraft struck the boundary fence before the engine responded. The pilot in command took control and landing normally.

The ski-plane made a normal touchdown on the established snow landing area but as the speed reduced the aircraft slowed to the right due to icy surface conditions and a quartering tailwind. It skidded to the left and the left ski dug in to the frozen surface causing minor damage to the left wingtip when it struck the ice.

On Monday, 16 July 2001, at about 0825 the passenger doors on the left side of Train 8203 electric multiple unit passenger service, opened uncommanded as the train travelled through Tunnel No 2 between Takapu Road and Wellington on the North Island Main Trunk. The locomotive engineer immediately stopped the train in the tunnel. The doors opened due to an electrical short circuit that was caused by heat from an overworked resistor bank melting the insulation on the door control wires. The crew manually closed the doors and the train continued to Wellington.

On 22 October 2011 a Britten-Norman BN.2A Mk.III-2 "Trislander" (the aeroplane) was scheduled for a scenic charter flight from Pauanui Beach aerodrome. The aeroplane was operated by Great Barrier Airlines Limited (the airline, or the operator). On board were 13 people - the pilot, another company employee and 11 passengers.

[A preliminary investigation showed that the circumstances were not likely to have significant implications for transport safety. Consistent with section 13 of the TAIC Act the Commission discontinued the investigation and no report was published.]

On Friday 3 March 2006 at about 1644, the passenger freight ferry Aratere unexpectedly rolled very heavily to starboard and sheared to port while on passage from Wellington to Picton in heavy weather in Cook Strait. About 30 minutes later the ship rolled heavily several times as the Master attempted to alter course to bring the weather onto the ship’s port bow and gain more clearance from the land. At about 1739, approximately one hour after the initial very heavy roll and shear, the Aratere again rolled very heavily to starboard and sheared to port.

Addendum to report 95-008: The wreckage and occupant were found on 8 April 2001 in forested high terrain, substantially west of the planned track. The aircraft was probably in controlled flight when it collided with terrain, about 42 minutes after departing from Gisborne. No explanation for the track deviation was found.

After take-off the subsequent climb to 200 feet seemed sluggish with a low airspeed, although the engine rpm was normal. Pilot started turning left (back to the aerodrome) as the aircraft started to lose height and airspeed. Engine normal. At 100 feet, wing dropped and aircraft descended out of control to collide with the ground.

On Monday 1 December 1997, at about 1015, the dinghy, "Solo", with eleven persons on board, was proceeding on a school trip across Nelson Harbour to Haulashore Island. The boat encountered sea conditions with waves in excess of its freeboard and swamped. There were no injuries.

Following a high reconnaissance, the pilot positioned the helicopter on final approach into the 25-30 north-westerly wind. Tailwind gust experienced at 50 feet, when the aircraft began to sink. Pilot initiated an overshoot during which the helicopter descended 5-10 feet above the landing site and commenced a right turn towards lower ground. Aircraft continued to descend and struck some trees before coming to rest on its right hand side.