News 2024

Aviation TAIC investigating A320 engine issue during Wellington to Auckland flight

An Airbus A320-271N passenger aircraft, registration ZK-NHA, experienced an engine malfunction during its flight from Wellington to Sydney. The aircraft diverted to Auckland Airport where it landed safely. No crew or passengers were reported to have been injured. TAIC is calling for witnesses.

a passenger train stands stationary, across a set of points. In the foreground a rail traffic signal displays a red light. The parallel-converging track on the left is the one along which the metropolitan train was authorised to travel.

Rail TAIC report - Te Huia SPAD near Penrose, Auckland

Passenger train ‘Te Huia’ went through stop light (SPAD) vulnerable to impact from other passenger train. TAIC recommendations relate to train driver route knowledge, need for rail vehicles sharing a rail network to have same engineering solution to prevent passing stop signals, and signal visibility

the Aratere with tugs readying to refloat the ferry

Marine Interim factual report on grounding of Interislander ferry Aratere

Interim factual report on the grounding of KiwiRail’s Interislander ferry Aratere during its Picton to Wellington sailing on the evening of 21 June 2024. The report sets out the facts and circumstances established to this point in the Commission’s inquiry, which is ongoing.

photo of accident scene. water rushes across landslip debris on to rail tracks. Carriages stand upright in the debris.

Rail TAIC reports on Kapiti Line passenger train derailment

Passenger train derailed by landslip debris in heavy rain. Safety issues: rail network resilience (slope stability in intense rain); automated emergency alerts; driver training; radio coverage and checking by drivers and regulator; derailment emergency response. Recommendations call for action by KiwiRail, Transdev Wellington, Auckland One Rail.

close-up photo of the Blue Ferry after the accident. The midships port side is catastrophically smashed up and in splinters, including the wheelhouse.

Marine TAIC report - Collision of small passenger ferry and recreational boat

Report on collision of Bay of Islands Blue Ferry with recreational boat.
(1) Every commercial marine operator must have a safety management system that’s fit for purpose.
(2) No skipper can be sure everything is fine on another vessel. Keep looking, listening, and thinking about risk of collision until both vessels are getting further apart.

Photo looking down the full length of the starboard waist walkway of the main deck deck of the Paovosa Brave. All stanchions are raised on the right. The outside structures of the main deck hatches rise on the left. In the middle foreground at about head height hangs the main blck and hook of the Number 3 Crane.

Marine TAIC reports on serious injury on Bulk carrier Poavosa Brave off Tauranga 

TAIC final report. Crew member seriously injured because workmates didn't know what each other was doing. Accidents happen when people don't communicate. Safety-critical worker did unauthorised work, didn't tell responsible officers, negating the abilities and authorities of those in command to keep people safe. Communicate the plan, double-check plan is still the plan, and speak up if danger looms.

New TAIC Chief Commissioner appointed

David Clarke is the new Chief Commissioner of the Transport Accident Investigation Commission announced by Associate Transport Minister Hon Matt Doocey

Portrait photo of Jane Meares

Retirement of Chief Commissioner Jane Meares

Jane Meares, Chief Commissioner of the Transport Accident Investigation Commission, has advised the Associate Minister of Transport, Hon Matt Doocey of her retirement, effective from 30 September 2024.

File photo of the incident aircraft. It is airborne, viewed from below, soon after takeoff, climbing with its landing gear up

Aviation TAIC investigating ATR engine incident on approach to Wellington Airport

AO-2024-006 ATR engine issue on approach to Wellington Airport, 1 September 2024. Reported circumstances: ATR72 passenger aircraft, issues with engine during final approach to Wellington Airport. The plane was at about 300 feet when there was a low oil pressure caution, then an engine fault and engine fire warning. The Pilot declared a mayday, landed safely and stopped on the runway. Airport emergency services attended promptly. All on board evacuated with no serious injuries reported.

The barge lies embedded in the beach

Marine TAIC investigating barge grounding on Westport beach

MO-2024-205 Manahau, grounding, Westport, 31 August 2024
Reported circumstances: Niue flagged self-propelled barge with 11 crew on board was anchored outside Westport Harbour. In poor weather, it dragged anchors and grounded on nearby Carters Beach at about 1145pm on 31 Aug 2024.