Inquiries & Recommendations

Ngā ketuketutanga me ngā tūtohunga

A Robinson Helicopter Company R22 helicopter was being used to transfer two passengers from Karamea to a remote landing spot in Kahurangi National Park, from where the passengers were to go hunting. On the return flight to Karamea the pilot experienced a vibration and heard an associated noise. During the landing sequence at Karamea, the helicopter broke up in the air and struck the ground. The helicopter was destroyed. Pilot survived, seriously injured.

[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.]

At about 0826 on Monday, 16 March 1998, "Condor 10" was proceeding out of Wellington Harbour into a moderate southerly swell, when the vessel encountered two short steep waves of approximately 4.5 m in height. The master reduced speed as "Condor 10" rose over the first wave, and the vessel dipped onto the face of the second wave. The resultant slamming displaced the bow visor and caused substantial damage to the surrounding hull structure. None of the 231 passengers and 22 crew were injured in the incident. Safety issues identified included:

On Thursday, 24 September 1998, at about 1710, the restricted-limit passenger catamaran "Scat Cat" foundered off Mokoia Island in Lake Rotorua. The vessel had been on a one-hour sight-seeing tour with two crew and seven passengers, including four children, on board. The passengers and crew abandoned the vessel and were rescued from lifefloats by two speedboats, one belonging to the owner of "Scat Cat" and the other to a colleague. One three-year-old passenger was detained in hospital overnight for observation for hypothermia. There were no other injuries.

On Sunday 15 December 1996, at about 0955, the fast passenger launch "Mack Attack" collided with a dinghy under way in the western approaches to Paihia Wharf. One of the dinghy's four occupants was drowned. Causal factors included failure by the skipper of "Mack Attack" to keep an adequate lookout and the vessel's excessive speed in the proximity of other craft and structures. Recommendations include the need for more speed regulation notices, lifejacket awareness notices, and for operational standing orders.

[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.]

A car travelling south-west on Metcalfe Road, Ranui on 17 November 1995 moved onto the level crossing while a train was approaching. The level crossing alarms, consisting of flashing lights and bells, were operating. A collision resulted in which the front seat passenger was killed. The causal factor was the car driver's fitness for driving. Safety issues identified were the dangers associated with motor vehicle driver fatigue.

On Tuesday 18 March 2003 at about 1455, during a scenic tour of the Bay of Islands, the restricted limit passenger vessel, "Tiger III", encountered a steep wave with an unexpectedly deep trough behind it. The bow of the vessel rode up on this wave before dropping violently into the trough. Four passengers standing on the foredeck received serious injuries. There was no damage to the vessel. Safety issues identified were: · passenger access to the foredeck of the vessel during an open water passage · the unpredictability of sea conditions

The microlight aircraft was observed to make a level right turn through approximately 180o. Soon after the completion of the turn the wings of the aircraft were seen to "fold". The aircraft dived to the ground fatally injuring the pilot and passenger. Weather conditions were blustery, with a strong westerly wind, passing rain showers, and low cloud. Severe turbulence was likely in the area of the accident.

[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.]

Shortly before 0600 on Tuesday 24 February 2004, while on a trip from Manapouri to West Arm across Lake Manapouri, the restricted limit passenger/non-passenger vessel "Freedom III" grounded about 30 m past the South Arm Point West light. The skipper and 4 passengers were uninjured. The boat suffered damage to its bow, but this did not compromise its watertight integrity. Safety issues identified were: * the use of electronic navigation equipment * training for a Local Launch Operator certificate * absence of passenger safety briefing.

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