The ATSB is concerned that a significant number of R44 helicopters are at risk of fire after an accident because their fuel tanks have not been retrofitted with a safety improvement.  In its preliminary investigation report, released today, into last month’s fatal R44 helicopter accident at Bulli Tops in NSW, the ATSB highlights the similarities of this accident with others involving R44 helicopters with all-aluminium fuel tanks. The Bulli Tops accident occurred on 21 March when an R44 helicopter caught fire after striking a tree and colliding with the ground. The pilot and three…

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) will conduct an independent external review of the ATSB’s investigation processes and publish the results. The review was announced today by TSB Chair, Wendy A. Tadros and ATSB Chief Commissioner, Martin Dolan.  The review, to begin with an initial visit by the TSB team this month, will provide an independent and objective assessment of the ATSB’s investigation methodology and processes.  The review team will benchmark TSB investigation methodologies with the ATSB’s and compare them with international standards. The review will also…

The ATSB will conduct an on-site media briefing on its investigation into the collision with terrain involving Cirrus SR22, VH-CKS, near Boxwood (Shepparton) Victoria on 27 June 2013. The Investigator-in-Charge, Mr Kevin Chapman will discuss factual information known to the ATSB at this time and will outline the investigation process. The ATSB has deployed four investigators, with specialisations in engineering and aircraft operations. Over the next few days they will examine the wreckage and accident site, interview witnesses, collect maintenance and pilot records and…

The ATSB will conduct an on-site media briefing on its investigation into the 17 March 2013 fatal aircraft accident near Parafield Airport, South Australia. The Investigator-in-Charge, Mr Richard Davies will discuss factual information known to the ATSB at this time and will outline the investigation process. The ATSB has deployed three investigators, with specialisations in engineering and aircraft operations. They have already begun work at the accident site. Over the next few days they will examine the wreckage and accident site, interview witnesses, collect maintenance and pilot records…

On Thursday 27 June 2013, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) will hold a media briefing to accompany the release of its final investigation report into the in-flight uncontained engine failure in a Qantas A380 overhead Batam Island, Indonesia on 4 November 2010 (QF32). ATSB Chief Commissioner Mr Martin Dolan will present the facts, findings and lessons learnt from the investigation.  Where: 62 Northbourne Avenue, Canberra City, ACT(ATSB Central Office)Time: 10:30am (AEST), Thursday 27 June 2013 Copies of the investigation report will be available from 10.30am. An audio…

An incident with an overheating mobile phone on board an aircraft highlights the importance of taking precautions with lithium battery-powered devices, especially when travelling, according to the ATSB. On 25 November 2011, shortly after a Rex Airlines Saab aircraft arrived at Sydney airport, a passenger's Apple iPhone began to overheat and give off smoke in the passenger cabin. A cabin crew member used a fire extinguisher on the phone, and after several minutes, the smoke cleared. The ATSB investigation found that a small…

This week’s tragic aircraft accident of a Cessna 182A at Burrum Heads, Queensland highlights the heightened risk of general aviation pilots flying low, and the hazard posed by powerlines.  On 17 December, witnesses reported seeing a Cessna 182A hit a powerline before colliding with terrain. The pilot—the only person on board the aircraft—died in the accident. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) completed the on-site phase of its investigation yesterday. While the investigation is still in its early days, preliminary evidence suggests that the aircraft struck a wire while flying…

In its preliminary investigation report released today, the ATSB describes the events leading to the accident involving the Panama-registered general cargo ship Tycoon on 8 January, and outlines the direction the investigation will be taking. While Tycoon was moored in Flying Fish Cove at Christmas Island, an increase in wind speed and sea conditions combined with a failure in the ship's mooring so that the ship made contact with the adjacent rock-face and shore crane pylon. Despite attempts by crew to move the ship, it continued to hit against the rock-face and pylon. A one-metre long hole…

The ATSB is urging pilots and operators to report wirestrikes and all significant aviation occurrences. Even if there's no damage to the aircraft or no injuries to people onboard the aircraft, reporting can help identify hotspots and ultimately save lives. Wirestrikes occur when an aircraft flies into a powerline or cable. They can happen to any low-flying aircraft involved in any operation, including aerial agricultural and mustering, private flights, sport aviation, and survey flights. A new report released today by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) shows that around 100…

The ATSB will conduct an onsite media briefing on its investigation into the 17 December 2012 fatal aircraft accident at Burrum Heads, Queensland. The Investigator-in-Charge, Mr Brett Leyshon will discuss factual information known to the ATSB at this time and will outline the investigation process. The ATSB has deployed four investigators, with specializations in engineering and aircraft operations. They have already begun work at the accident site. Over the coming days they will finalise their examination of the wreckage site and interview witnesses. The investigators are seeking witness…