MAGSPEC Aviation's safety risk management processes did not include a pre‑operational risk assessment that recognised the generic risks and hazards common across that type of operation nor was a risk register maintained. Consequently, there was limited assurance that all the risks had been identified and that all reasonable mitigations had been applied.
Response by MAGSPEC Aviation Pty Ltd
On 28 January 2025, MAGSPEC Aviation advised the ATSB that it disagreed with this safety issue and stated that the job safety analysis (JSA) encompassed a pre‑operational risk assessment, risk register and flight risk management plan. It believed this to be compliant with the risk requirements of Civil Aviation Safety Regulation Part 138 and stated:
This risk assessment was approved by CASA during the 2nd December 2021, Part 91 / 138 AWK [aerial work] changes. It has been accepted and approved by multiple third-parties, including those that represent BARS [Flight Safety Foundation’s Basic Aviation Risk Standard].
ATSB comment
The ATSB acknowledges MAGSPEC Aviation’s response and noted its interactions with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), including the post‑accident surveillance that was undertaken in August 2023, which may have led the operator to believe that its risk management processes were compliant. The ATSB sought clarification from CASA, and on 1 May 2025 CASA advised the ATSB that the JSA did not meet the requirement for a pre‑operational risk assessment or risk register in accordance with Part 138.
To be advised
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau recommends that MAGSPEC Aviation Pty Ltd develops and maintains a pre-operational risk assessment and risk register that is separate to its existing job safety analysis process. This should encompass the generic risks and hazards common across its operations and allow it to fully consider operational risks beyond individual survey tasks.
