News 2025

The wreckage of a crashed BK117 rescue helicopter sits upright in dense bush on a steep slope. The helicopter has a red fuselage with 'RESCUE' and 'King Country – Coromandel' markings, and a yellow tail boom. the main rotor blades are torn up, ripped and distorted from slashing through the trees during the crash sequence. A man in a high-visibility vest bearing the TAIC logo stands with his back to the viewer, looking at the wreck. Another person in rescue gear is partially visible among the vegetation.

Aviation TAIC inquiry proves vortex ring state safety risk for helicopters worldwide

A rescue helicopter crashed in mountainous terrain after entering vortex ring state—a dangerous flight condition where the main rotor loses lift in descent rate increases. Key safety points:
o Pilots need a deep understanding of how VRS develops
o Flight manuals must Identify the flight conditions and parameters conducive to VRS
o VRS alert systems could prevent future accidents

A large blue and yellow passenger vessel named 'Fiordland Navigator' is anchored on calm water in a mountain fjord. The vessel has three tall masts, each with a furled jib sail for optional wind-powered sailing. It features three decks with rows of windows, and an open front viewing platform. In the background, a small craft moves across the water. The fjord is surrounded by steep, forested mountains under a cloudy sky.

Marine Fatigue led to cruise vessel impacting Doubtful Sound mountainside

The fatigued master of a cruise vessel almost certainly fell asleep at the helm and it ran aground. TAIC found gaps in fatigue management, monitoring of medical fitness, and risk controls for sole-charge masters. Several passengers and crew suffered minor injuries, but the emergency response was effective. The vessel’s operator has since strengthened fatigue policies, added support roles, and improved safety oversight.

A white motorboat cruising on calm blue waters near a hilly coastline. Two individuals are on board, one steering the boat and the other standing beside the cabin. The boat is equipped with fishing rods mounted on the roof and an outboard Yamaha engine. Some identifying details on the boat and individuals’ faces have been obscured for privacy.

Marine TAIC report on iCatcher accident reveals issues with 111 system, lifejackets, marine regulations-

New TAIC report highlights nationwide and international safety issues, including emergency equipment, NZ emergency rescue sector, maritime regulations, standards.

A fishing vessel named Austro Carina is partially submerged and leaning against a rocky and high cliff. The stern of the vessel is in the water, while the bow remains above the surface. The surrounding water is turquoise, and the cliff has layers of brown and reddish rock with sparse green vegetation. The sky is clear and blue.

Marine Newsletter: Watchkeeping an issue for stranded fishing vessel

All seafarers, fishing vessel owners and operators, fishing vessel insurers and maritime training schools will benefit from a better understanding of how safety improves with good watchkeeping and crew members who are alert to their surroundings and ready and able to speak up when they notice danger.

A railway track scene with annotations, using Fig 6 from the TAIC Report. A ground level view in a river plain surrounded closely by steep hills. The main rail line stretches into the distance. In the foreground, railway points give access leftwards to the crossing loop track. An annotated shape shows the position of a Westbound freight train, stationary on the crossing loop. Also foreground, a signal displays a red light for the Eastbound coal train that was approaching the entrance points for the loop

Rail Newsletter: Long COVID affects operators of heavy machinery

Employers and managers of safety-critical workers, please note: workplace safety risk from after-effects of acute illnesses such as COVID-19. Can impair workers’ concentration, memory and thinking, including their ability to reliably self-assess as being fit to return to work. TAIC reports on occurrence where coal train missed and passed a stop signal, potentially into conflict with oncoming freight train.