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Derailment of a freight train in Devonport, Tasmania on 21 September 2018

Freight train runaway and derailment

Preliminary report into the runaway and derailment of a freight train in Devonport, Tasmania released.

The 'Crash Comic' now online

‘Crash comic’ 1953 to 1991

The iconic aviation safety publication—Aviation Safety Digest.

ATSB supports human factors and CRM symposium

The ATSB proudly sponsored the combined AAvPA and PACDEFF human factors and CRM symposium in Sydney.

Night Vision Goggles

Night vision goggles

Reminder of the limitations of night vision imaging systems, particularly when there are external light sources.

Fractured rail section in lower rail of curve

Detect and treat rail defects

Early detection and treatment of rail defects can avoid derailments.

Macarthur Job honoured with studio dedication

The ATSB has recognised respected Australian aviation author and editor, Macarthur Job OAM.

Hot-air balloon, VH-EUA, predeparture

Effective safety briefings

Operators need to ensure passengers understand their safety briefing.

Damaged Saab de-icing boot

Dismissing the warnings

The crew of a passenger flight decided a warning was likely the result of a faulty sensor.

Annual Report 2017-18

2017-18 Annual Report released

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has released its Annual Report, outlining its performance during 2017-18.

Large ships + little vessels = big trouble

Collisions at sea can endanger the lives of those on board and can cause significant damage to vessels.

Airport Safety Week

ATSB supports Airport Safety Week 2018

The ATSB has joined the aviation industry in supporting Airport Safety Week 2018.

REX Saab 340B landed safely after In-flight loss of propeller, SW of Sydney NSW, on 17 March 2017

In-flight propeller loss

In-flight propeller loss due to fatigue crack. Crew demonstrated high level of professionalism.

Freight train derailment

Preliminary report into the runaway and derailment of a freight train in Devonport, Tasmania released.

‘Crash comic’ 1953 to 1991

The iconic aviation safety publication—Aviation Safety Digest.

ATSB supports AAvPA

The ATSB proudly sponsored the combined AAvPA and PACDEFF human factors and CRM symposium in Sydney.

Night vision goggles

Reminder of the limitations of night vision imaging systems, particularly when there are external light sources.

Detect and treat rail defects

Early detection and treatment of rail defects can avoid derailments.

Macarthur Job honoured

The ATSB has recognised respected Australian aviation author and editor, Macarthur Job OAM.

Effective safety briefings

Operators need to ensure passengers understand their safety briefing.

Dismissing the warnings

The crew of a passenger flight decided a warning was likely the result of a faulty sensor.

2017-18 Annual Report released

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has released its Annual Report, outlining its performance during 2017-18.

Collisions at sea can endanger the lives of those on board and can cause significant damage to vessels.

Airport Safety Week takes off

The ATSB has joined the aviation industry in supporting Airport Safety Week 2018.

In-flight propeller loss

In-flight propeller loss due to fatigue crack. Crew demonstrated high level of professionalism.

ATSB meets with NZ's TAIC

The ATSB recently met with its New Zealand counterpart, the Transport Accident Investigation Commission.

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‘Crash comic’ 1953 to 1991

‘Crash comic’ 1953 to 1991

The iconic aviation safety publication—Aviation Safety Digest. Read more on "‘Crash comic’ 1953 to 1991"

- Collision with terrain involving YAK-9UM, VH-YIX, near Latrobe Valley Aerodrome, Victoria, on 7 September 2018
  - preliminary report
  On-site examination of the wreckage and surrounding ground markings indicated that the aircraft impacted terrain in a right-wing low, nose‑down attitude. The investigation is continuing.
- Collision involving a Boeing B737, VH-VZZ and a catering vehicle, Sydney Airport, NSW on 14 October 2017
  - final report release
  This accident illustrates the busy and dynamic environment of airport airports with various visual limitations.
- Technical assistance to Australian Helicopter Industry Association in the examination of components relating to Lycoming engine failures
  
  In mid-2018, the Northern Fuels Stake Holders Investigation Group was formed in response to a large number of reported engine cylinder exhaust valve issues on Lycoming engines in northern Australia.
- Exploration of change in aviation gasoline lead content in northern Australia on reported engine–related occurrences
  - Research report
  This research commenced following receipt of correspondence suggesting that an increase in helicopter engine issues in northern Australia was potentially linked to a change to reduced lead content fuel in these areas.
- Runaway and derailment of TasRail freight train in Devonport, Tasmania on 21 September 2018
  - preliminary report release
  The ATSB has released its preliminary report into the runaway and derailment of a freight train in Devonport, Tasmania on 21 September 2018. The investigation is continuing.
- Tailstrike involving Boeing 737-800, VH-YIR, Auckland Airport, New Zealand, on 17 January 2018
  - final report release
  This report shows how external factors can change flight conditions rapidly, and highlights techniques that can reduce the risk of a tailstrike.
- Terrain awareness warning system alert involving Eurocopter BK 117C-2, VH-SYB, near Crookwell, NSW, on 21 October 2016
  - final report release
  The incident highlights the potential limitations and risk of the use of night vision imaging systems or night vision goggles, particularly when there are external light sources or reflections.
- Runaway loaded ore train M02712 at 211 km from Port Hedland, Western Australia on 5 November 2018
  - new active investigation
  The ATSB is investigating a runaway loaded ore train M02712 operated by BHP on its Newman to Port Hedland railway, WA, on 5 November 2018.
- Derailment of freight train 1501S, near Dry Creek, South Australia on 28 July 2017
  - final report release
  This report highlights the importance of the early detection and treatment of defects in rail infrastructure and the need for the reporting of testing anomalies to highlight operational risk and the initiation of further action.
- Hard landing involving hot-air balloon, VH-EUA, 6 km ENE of Yarra Glen, Victoria on 8 February 2018
  - final report release
  This incidence highlights the importance of pre-flight safety briefings to ensure all passengers are aware of what to do in an emergency.
- De-icing boot failure involving SAAB 340, VH-ZLH, Esperance Airport, Western Australia, on 26 May 2018
  - final report release
  An important warning for flight crews regarding the potential for anomalies to occur in the operation of warning systems.
- Collision with water involving Cessna 206 floatplane, VH-LHQ, Southport Broadwater, Queensland, on 4 March 2018
  - final report release
  This accident highlights an important safety message about in-depth maintenance inspections, especially where a structure may have experienced excessive loads.
- Collision with terrain involving BK117 helicopter, VH-JWB, near Ulladulla NSW, on 17 August 2018
  - preliminary report release
  Investigators found the helicopter inverted in a clearing with the bucket and longline still attached. The bucket was found caught in trees at the edge of the clearing. The investigation is continuing.
- In-flight engine shutdown involving Airbus A380, VH-OQG, near Los Angeles, United States, on 20 May 2017
  - final report release
  The incident is also an example of effective crew resource management techniques. The flight crew reported that their actions and response, from the initial engine issue when only two members of the flight crew were in the cockpit to the approach and landing with all four crewmembers on the flight deck, flowed very smoothly.
- Runway lighting event involving Beech B200, VH-FDL, Cairns Airport, Queensland, on 11 March 2018
  - final report release
  The incident highlights the need for robust processes to ensure routine tasks, like activation and checking of runway lighting, are carried out.
- Derailment of loaded ore train M03544 near Walla, Western Australia, on 3 December 2015
  - final report release
  This accident shows the importance of early detection, assessment, and effective management of track defects.
- In-flight loss of propeller involving Saab 340B, VH-NRX, 19 km (10 NM) SW of Sydney Airport, NSW, on 17 March 2017
  - final report release
  The ATSB investigation found the propeller separated from the aircraft due to a fracture of the propeller shaft on the right engine propeller reduction gearbox. The ATSB also found the crew responded to the incident with high levels of professionalism and performed a safe single-engine landing.
- Grounding of 'ABFC Roebuck Bay' on Henry Reef, Queensland, on 30 September 2017
  - Interim report release
  The ATSB has released an interim factual report on the grounding of ABFC Roebuck Bay on Henry Reef, Great Barrier Reef, on 30 September 2017. The report is an update on the known facts of the incident following a previous update in November 2017. The investigation is continuing.
- Grounding of the landing craft 'Lauren Hansen', off Melville Island, Northern Territory, on 11 April 2018
  - final report release
  This grounding highlights the importance of ensuring that any problem with a ship’s control system needs to be carefully assessed before the ship committing to sea and the need to consider measures to reduce the risk involved in sailing with a potentially unreliable control system.
- Signal passed at danger by train 2552, Petrie, Queensland on 12 October 2017
  - final report release
  Driving trains is a complex task, particularly during times of critical safety such as restricted signals. Regular activation of any warning system however, increases the risk that it will be acknowledged without consideration of the related hazard.
- Loss of control and collision with terrain involving B200 King Air, VH-ZCR at Essendon Airport, Victoria on 21 February 2017
  - final report release
  The ATSB found that the pilot did not detect that the aircraft’s rudder trim was in the full nose-left position prior to take-off. The position of the rudder trim resulted in a loss of directional control and had a significant impact on the aircraft’s climb performance in the latter part of the flight.

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