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Photo depicts Martin Sawyers

New chief executive for TAIC

The Transport Accident Investigation Commission has appointed Martin Sawyers as its new Chief Executive. 

Photo of the level crossing where this accident occurred

Rail New inquiry into rail accident at level crossing near Marton

TAIC inquiring into collision involving a train and a light truck at a level crossing on Saunders Rd near Marton, at around 1530 on Thursday 13 May. 1 person travelling in the truck died. TAIC investigation team is on its way and will be on site in the morning

Photo of the rail deck on the Aratere

Rail TAIC inquiring into rail accident on Aratere ferry

At Wellington Port, a worker was struck by moving wagon, requiring hospital treatment

Photo of the jet boat caught in trees overhanging the river

Marine TAIC investigating jet boat accident on Shotover River

TAIC has opened an inquiry into the jet boat accident on the Shotover River near Queenstown. Injuries to some persons on board, no fatalities reported. The boat is now in a secure location. TAIC investigators arrived on site 22 March, interviewing witnesses, inspecting boat.

Photo - The water taxi Henerata

Marine TAIC reports on capsize of water taxi

Worse-than-expected sea conditions caused capsize of a perceived very safe ‘pontoon’ design water taxi. Skipper rescued all six passengers trapped inside, all survived. Lessons for passenger boat sector: know vessel stability as well as buoyancy; prioritise safety over commercial expectations; manage risks; ensure the right safety equipment is available; actively lead safety on-board.

Photo - the Kota Bahagia with smoke emitting from the fire in the hold

Marine New inquiry: Fire on board cargo ship Kota Bahagia

TAIC is investigating the causes and circumstances of a fire on board a cargo vessel in the Port of Napier. Reportedly, the fire originated in one of the holds of the Kota Bahagia while it was berthed at the wharf. All crew have been accounted for.

Photo - TAIC investigators inspect the helicopter wreckage on the beach

Aviation Update: Inquiry into helicopter accident at Kekerengu River

A TAIC team has been on site at the Kekerengu River mouth, commencing investigations into the causes and circumstances of a fatal accident involving an Airbus Helicopter EC120. TAIC removed the wreckage from the site late today (Wed 16 Dec 2020)

TAIC investigators inspect the helicopter wreckage on the beach | Photo: RNZ- Tracy Neal

Aviation New TAIC inquiry - helicopter crash at Kekerengu River mouth

TAIC has opened an inquiry into the causes and circumstances of the helicopter accident at the Kekerengu River mouth on 15 December 2020. The circumstances reported are that the Airbus Helicopter EC120 was traveling from Christchurch with five persons on board when it lost control, descended and impacted shallow water close to the beach. Two persons on board have been reported as fatally injured, and three seriously injured in the accident.

The accident helicopter in 2013

Aviation TAIC Final Report - fatal in-flight breakup of helicopter at Lake Wanaka, July 2018

Fatal R44 helicopter in-flight break-up. Main rotor blade bent, struck cabin. Likely cause: mast bumping in strong unexpected turbulence, speed a factor. Turbulence is a major risk for Robinson helicopters; pilots should plan for it.

Photo - one of the engines, opened for inspection

Aviation Closure of inquiries into 787 Rolls-Royce engine issues, December 2017

The Commission has resolved its inquiries into two incidents involving Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines on Boeing 787s, late 2017. TAIC satisfied with engine maker’s safety improvements and turbine blade replacement programme.