Inquiries & Recommendations

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[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.]

After leaving Milford Sound with a full load of passengers to fly to Queenstown, the engine of ZK-FTL had begun to run less smoothly than normal so the pilot returned to Milford Sound. Following discussion with engineering staff, and ground running checks, the pilot took off for a test circuit. In the circuit the engine again ran roughly, and on late downwind stopped completely. An area of dry riverbed provided the only option for a forced landing.

On 16 April 1995 at 1425 hours the Wave-Piercing Catamaran "Condor 10", inbound on approaches to Picton Harbour, suffered a total blackout of main power and ran aground on "The Snout". No injuries were sustained by passengers or crew and damage to the vessel was slight. Causal factors included mechanical failure, fault analysis procedures, and faults in setting up and testing the vessel's electrical systems. Recommendations included design changes, better management of maintenance, and more stringent testing procedures on a more regular basis.

[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 Thursday 9 March 2000 at about 1750 the stern trawler "Seafresh 1", with 18 crew on board, was steaming about 20 nautical miles north of the Chatham Islands when fire broke out in the switchboard. The engine-room was sealed off and the fire smothered itself. The crew were able to re-enter the engine-room about 6 hours later. There was no electrical or engine power available. While waiting for a tow, the crew discovered water on the factory deck. The crew were eventually able to locate and seal off the ingress and bail out the deck.

On Sunday 6 May 2001, at about 0838, a collision occurred between express passenger Train 600, Bay Express, and an excavator and front end loader working on the up main line at Muri, 31.4 km North Island Main Trunk. The maintenance plant was operating under Conditional Stop Protection when the collision occurred. Train 600 had been given authority to pass through the protected site at a time when one of the four work groups operating within an 11.9 km protected length understood they were clear to work. There were no injuries.

On Wednesday 10 August 2005, at about 0845, ZK-WWH, a Cessna U206G, took off from Queenstown Aerodrome for Mount Cook Aerodrome with a pilot and 5 passengers on board. Just after take-off, the pilot encountered control difficulties that culminated in the aircraft striking the runway with its left wing tip and failing to remain airborne. The aircraft was substantially damaged, but no one was injured.

A track machine derailed in Auckland’s Purewa tunnel after being authorised to enter a worksite where track had been removed. Key safety information wasn’t shared and staff were under-resourced. No one hurt, but lead machine was heavily damaged. Three TAIC recommendations to KiwiRail: verify track status, improve authorisation processes, and ensure safe staffing levels for safety-critical roles.

The Commission has closed its inquiry into this occurrence. It is satisfied on the facts before it that the circumstances of the accident do not allow the Commission to establish findings or make recommendations which may increase transport safety.

On 14 July 1994, Sikorsky S-55B ZK-HSS was engaged in aerial spraying in the Te Apiti Valley, 6 NM east of Elsthorpe, Hawkes Bay. The engine lost power at low level, necessitating a forced landing during which the helicopter caught fire and was burned out. The pilot escaped without injury.

On Monday 31 July 2006 at about 2054, eastbound express freight Train 826 stopped at Cora Lynn Arrival Signal 10244 on the Midland Line. The arrival signal was displaying a green aspect, while at the same time the facing points were set in the reverse position and the "L" light was not illuminated.