Inquiries & Recommendations

Ngā ketuketutanga me ngā tūtohunga

Aerial firefighting operators need to respond to the latest advice about monsoon bucket structure and sling line length. Firefighting helicopter significantly damaged in heavy forced landing when tail rotor was disabled by lifting line of underslung collapsible monsoon bucket. Bucket aerodynamics changed when a steel ring holding top mouth open came loose. Hook-and-loop fasteners had come undone.

New TAIC Final Report presents crucial lessons for ship operations, human factors, and Pilot training. A bulk carrier ship, under conduct of harbour pilot, went off course in strong wind while entering Bluff Harbour. Its anchors failed to deploy in time, and it contacted the seabed. Minor damage to ship hull, damage to 2 tugs, no personal injuries.

A factory trawler worker died on becoming trapped in machinery. Safety for machinery operators depends on everyone understanding how a piece of machinery works; how people work with it; and thinking about the hazards. In this case: not enough understanding; too much reliance on crew following all instructions; and training likely confused workers about which emergency stops serviced which system.

The catamaran Dolphin Seeker was conducting a dolphin-watching tour and ran aground in the Bay of Islands. The Commission found that the skipper was focusing on providing a good tour experience and didn’t notice the vessel moving towards shallow waters. The company’s safety management system did not adequately address the risks associated with the skipper’s role and was subsequently updated to address this safety issue.

At 1053 on 18 October 2018, an MD 500D helicopter registered ZK- HOJ took off from Wānaka Aerodrome with a pilot and two Department of Conservation workers on board. The helicopter had just departed from the perimeter of the aerodrome when it started to break up in flight, began spinning while descending near vertically and caught fire after it struck the ground.

Points on the main line were incorrectly set and a freight train diverted into a loop holding 3 parked track maintenance rail vehicles. From 20 km/h, the train applied emergency braking, stopped about 1km from parked vehicles. No injuries. Factors in incident: train speed, procedures not followed, and work team communication. Operator taking appropriate safety actions. No need for TAIC recommendations

The Commission provided NZ Accredited Representative for a Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board investigation of an accident involving a NZ-manufactured aeroplane

The Commission is providing New Zealand’s Accredited Representative participating in the Indonesia National Transportation Committee’s investigation of a fatal accident involving a New Zealand-manufactured Pacific Aerospace Ltd 750XL aeroplane

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

A Robinson R44 helicopter disappeared while on a short flight over Lake Wanaka. Searchers found an oil slick on the lake surface and some debris on land nearby

Engine trouble unresolved by the pilot resulted in heavy landing. Helicopter destroyed by severe on-ground shaking. All five people on board injured to varying degrees, including head injuries, one fatally. TAIC recommendations address two key issues – importance of comprehensive practical training in aircraft type, and the benefits of wearing helmets.

The container ship Leda Maersk, with harbour pilot on board directing the course and speed of the ship, grounded on a channel bank while entering Port Otago. Nobody was injured and damage to the ship was minor. The Commission’s recommendations address pilots’ technical skills and accuracy; bridge resource management; on-board navigation technology.