Inquiries & Recommendations

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TAIC has opened an overseas assistance inquiry to support Singapore’s Transport Safety Investigation Bureau (TSIB), which itself is assisting the Republic of South Sudan. The accident under investigation is the fatal crash of a Beechcraft 1900D aircraft on 29 January, 2025.

Runaway rake of freight wagons ran on to stationary shunt loco while workers were coupling the loco to another rake of wagons. Workers got out from where they were working between the loco and freight in time to avoid injury.

TAIC is investigating an accident involving South Port NZ’s pilot vessel Takitimu II. It grounded near Stirling Point, near Bluff, Southland at about 0500 on 26 December 2024. The vessel had been outbound to meet an inbound ship. The vessel reportedly sustained damage and was taken out of service for repairs. No reports of injuries or pollution.

An Airbus A320 passenger aircraft experienced an engine malfunction en route from Wellington to Sydney. The aircraft diverted and landed safely at Auckland Airport.

Two 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.

ATR72 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.

The 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.

The reported circumstances were that a hi-rail vehicle and its crew were working near the Kereone crossing loop on the East Coast Main Trunk Line on Friday 2 August 2024. At about 1140, a freight train passed two red stop signals and entered the section of track occupied by the HRV, but the HRV had entered a crossing loop minutes prior. Thus, a collision was avoided.

An Airbus AS350BA helicopter crashed into the ground near the Paringa River mouth on the West Coast.

The Commission’s Interim Factual Report details the key facts established so far about the grounding of the Interislander ferry Aratere.