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…

Systemic safety issues in Queensland coastal pilotage operations have been identified in an Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) investigation report, released today. Coastal pilots form a key defence against a serious shipping incident in parts of the Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait as part of a suite of broader protective measures already in place. The ATSB began an investigation into coastal pilotage operations in December 2010 following the release of its report into the grounding of the piloted tanker Atlantic Blue in the Torres Strait and a request from the Australian Maritime…

On Thursday 2 February 2012, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) will hold a media briefing to accompany the release of its preliminary investigation report into the 8 January 2012 foundering of the Panamanian registered general cargo ship Tycoon at Christmas Island. ATSB Chief Commissioner Mr Martin Dolan will present the facts of the accident and outline the direction of the ATSB's ongoing investigation. Where: 62 Northbourne Avenue, Canberra, ACT (ATSB Central Office) Time: 11.00am (AEDT), Thursday 2 February 2012 Copies of the investigation report will be available from 11.00am…

With the Holiday season upon us, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has encouraged air travellers to keep their seat belts fastened at all possible times. The call coincides with the release of the ATSB report into an in-flight upset that occurred on-board a Qantas A330 aircraft en-route from Singapore to Perth in October 2008. At least 110 of the 303 passengers and 9 of the 12 crew members were injured. Of these, 51 received hospital medical treatment. The Chief Commissioner of the ATSB, Mr Martin Dolan, said that the accident provided a salient reminder about the importance of…

The incorrect entry of take-off weight data that resulted in the tail strike and runway overrun of an Emirates Airbus A340 aircraft was not a unique event. Similar events continue to occur throughout the world, according to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB). "These sorts of errors have potentially serious safety consequences," said ATSB Chief Commissioner, Mr Martin Dolan. "It is encouraging to see the significant safety action that is occurring as a result of the ATSB's investigation." Mr Dolan was speaking on publication of the ATSB's final report of its investigation into a 20…

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has released its 2010-11 Annual Report. 'The report summarises a year of major activity and accomplishment for the ATSB, 'said the ATSB's Chief Commissioner, Martin Dolan. 'It also highlights a number of areas of continuing concern for transport safety.' In its review of transport safety trends, the report highlights: a number of events involving 'see-and-avoid' procedures in the vicinity of smaller airports continuing issues with the training, checking and supervision of pilots the recurrence of known problems in general aviation, including collisions…

The poor management of fuel in some aircraft operations continues to pose a serious risk to aviation safety according to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau. ATSB Chief Commissioner, Mr Martin Dolan, said fuel mismanagement is a continuing concern for the ATSB due to the high number of fuel-related occurrences reported each year. 'Each year, the ATSB receives more than 20 reports of fuel exhaustion or starvation incidents and accidents,' Mr Dolan said. 'These events have led to forced landings, diversions to other aerodromes and, in the worst cases, fatal crashes.' 'Many accidents…