ATSB Chief Commissioner Greg Hoods talks about the traffic management occurrence involving Airbus A320, VH-VQS and Beech Aircraft Corporation BE 76, VH-EWL at Ballina/Byron Gateway Airport, NSW on 14 January 2016. Your browser does not support the video tag. ATSB investigation reports/2016/aair/ao-2016-003/" title="ATSB investigation report AO-2016-003">AO-2016-003

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) today released its second interim report into an incident involving a Virgin Australia Regional Airlines ATR 72 aircraft near Sydney on 20 February 2014. During a flight from Canberra to Sydney, the aircraft sustained a 'pitch disconnect' while descending into Sydney. The pitch disconnect occurred when the two flight crew attempted to slow the aircraft down and inadvertently applied opposing control inputs (one pilot pushed the control at the same time the other pilot pulled), and resulted in significant…

A new Report released by the CSIRO today further confirms the most likely location of MH370 is in the new search area identified by the First Principles Review, conducted in November last year. Report_news.jpg" title="Replica flaperons at sea"/> Dr David Griffin from the CSIRO said the new Report features data and analysis from ocean testing of an actual Boeing 777 flaperon. “Testing an actual flaperon…

Today the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) released its report MH370 – First Principles Review and CSIRO’s supporting report The search for MH370 and ocean surface drift. The First Principles Review report summarises the outcomes of a meeting conducted in November and attended by Australian and international experts in data processing, satellite communications, accident investigation, aircraft performance, flight operations, sonar data, acoustic…

The ATSB will tomorrow (Wednesday 22 February 2017) conduct a media briefing on its investigation into the aircraft accident that occurred at Essendon Airport, Victoria. The ATSB’s Chief Commissioner, Mr Greg Hood will discuss factual information known to the ATSB at this time and will outline the investigation process. He will be joined by Victoria Police Superintendent Michael Frewen and Mr Chris Cowan, Essendon Fields CEO. The investigators are seeking witness reports that might assist the investigation. Witnesses can call the ATSB on 1800 020 616 or…

The ATSB has today released a preliminary report into the in-flight propeller detachment involving a Regional Express SAAB 340 aircraft near Sydney Airport on 17 March 2017. The ATSB’s inspection of the aircraft identified that the propeller shaft fractured, leading to the separation of the propeller. An inspection of the propeller at the ATSB’s technical facilities in Canberra revealed a fatigue fracture that began in the propeller mounting flange (the part that attaches the propeller to the gearbox) and continued into the propeller shaft. The inspection…

The ATSB will today conduct an onsite media briefing on its investigation into the 19 July 2015 aircraft accident near Wedderburn Airport, NSW. The Investigator-in-Charge, Mr Mal Christie will discuss factual information known to the ATSB at this time and will outline the investigation process. The ATSB has deployed four investigators to the accident site. They are expected to be on site for two to three days. The investigators have specialisations in human factors, aircraft engineering and aircraft operations. The investigators are seeking witness reports…

ATSB begins action on Canadian review The ATSB has today begun action in responding to the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) review into the ATSB’s methodologies and processes. Released last week, the review found that the ATSB’s investigation methodologies and practices generally met or exceeded international best-practice standards. The review also highlighted potential improvements, particularly about the way in which ATSB methodologies were applied in the investigation into the ditching of the Pel-Air Westwind Aircraft off Norfolk Island in November 2009. In response to the TSB…

Flying at night in remote areas without sufficient visual cues continues to be one of the most dangerous forms of flying, as evidenced by a recent fatal accident in Western Australia’s Kimberley region. An ATSB investigation into the accident found the pilot of an R22 helicopter, who did not hold a night visual flight rules (VFR) rating or instrument rating, continued flying after last light to try to reach Springvale station. The lack of local ground lighting on a moonless night meant the pilot had no visual cues to know exactly where the   helicopter was going or reliably control…

An aircraft accident that resulted in the fatality of a child passenger is a shocking reminder to all pilots about the dangers of unauthorised and unnecessary low-level flying, according to the ATSB. The accident occurred on 12 April 2014 when a Maule M-5 aircraft, with a pilot and two passengers on board, struck a powerline across the Clarence River in New South Wales. The aircraft then collided with water, coming to rest inverted with the cabin submerged. The pilot and front-seat adult passenger escaped the cockpit through one of the forward doors and attempted to free the rear-seat child…