Flying visually in poor visibility continues to be one of the most dangerous forms of flying, as evidenced by a fatal aircraft accident near Mount Hotham, Victoria on 23 October 2013. An ATSB investigation into the accident found the pilot of a Cessna 182Q aircraft—who was flying visually in an aircraft not approved for 'instrument flight rules'—took off despite poor weather forecast along the planned route. The ATSB found that the pilot likely encountered reduced visibility due to poor weather, which resulted in the aircraft colliding with Mount Blue Rag, at about 5000 feet (1,524 metres)…

A fatal Robinson R44 helicopter accident has prompted the ATSB to recommend safety improvements to helicopter fuel tanks in the United States and Europe. Four people died in the March 2013 accident at Bulli Tops in New South Wales. The R44 helicopter they were travelling in was engulfed in fire after striking a tree and hitting the ground. Following this accident, Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority, and other international regulators, made it mandatory for R44 helicopter operators to replace the R44's all-aluminium fuel tank with a bladder-type fuel tank. ATSB Chief Commissioner…

As aerial agriculture pilots prepare for an early spring start to their busiest time of year, a new ATSB Report highlights past aviation safety events in the industry. ATSB's Manager Reporting and Analysis, Dr Stuart Godley said, 'ATSB has been working closely with the Aerial Agricultural Association of Australia (AAAA) to strengthen their long-standing education and training program by using …

        Search operation for Malaysia Airlines aircraft Media briefing - 28 March 2014  Australian Maritime Safety Authority Emergency Response General Manager John Young.Australian Transport Safety Bureau Chief Commissioner Martin Dolan. We would like to update you on some credible information AMSA has received from the ATSB which will see the search area refocused today. The AMSA search for any sign of the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 has been shifted to an area north following advice from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau. An international air crash…

Onsite media briefing: The ATSB will conduct an onsite media briefing on its investigation into the 20 July 2014 aircraft accident near Burrumbuttock, NSW. The Investigator-in-Charge will discuss factual information known to the ATSB at this time and will outline the investigation process. The ATSB has deployed two investigators, who have already begun work at the accident site. Over the next few days they will examine the circumstances around the accident and gather information from the wreckage site, witnesses and aircraft maintenance records. The investigators are seeking witness…

The ATSB will today conduct an onsite media briefing on its investigation into the 14 October 2014 aircraft accident of a Van’s RV-6A, at Chelsea, Melbourne, Victoria. The Investigator-in-Charge will discuss factual information known to the ATSB at this time and will outline the investigation process. The ATSB has deployed three investigators, who have already begun work at the accident site. Over the next few days they will examine the wreckage site, interview witnesses and collect maintenance records. The investigators are seeking witness reports as…

Australia’s transport industries are some of the safest in the world but more can be done to improve safety, according to the ATSB’s annual Report. Approved for tabling by the Deputy Prime Minister the Hon Warren Truss, the annual Report highlights the ATSB’s top transport safety concerns across the aviation, maritime and rail industries. ATSB Chief Commissioner Martin Dolan said the safety concerns bring together the ATSB’s investigation…

The ATSB is highlighting the safety risks of flying around non-towered aerodromes as part of this week’s national Ausfly conference at Narromine, NSW. Narromine is expected to host hundreds of pilots who will fly in for Ausfly from all over Australia between 12 and 15 September. This is set to make Narromine Airport one of the busiest non-towered aerodromes in the country during that period. ATSB Chief Commissioner, Martin Dolan, said that safety around non-towered aerodromes is one of the ATSB’s top transport safety priorities. “The ATSB often receives reports…

The ATSB will conduct an onsite media briefing on its investigation into the 18 September 2013 aircraft accident at Geraldton Airport, Western Australia. The Investigator-in-Charge, Mr Andrew Roberton will discuss factual information known to the ATSB at this time and will outline the investigation process. The ATSB has deployed two investigators, who have already begun work at the accident site. Over the next few days they will examine the wreckage site, interview witnesses and collect maintenance records. The investigators are seeking witness reports…

The ATSB will conduct an on-site media briefing on its investigation into the 23 September 2013 aircraft accident near Hamilton Airport, Victoria. The Investigator-in-Charge will discuss factual information known to the ATSB at this time and will outline the investigation process. The ATSB has deployed three investigators, who have already begun work at the accident site. Over the next few days they will examine the wreckage site, interview witnesses and collect maintenance records. The investigators are seeking witness reports that might assist the…