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 also found corrosion near the…

The detached propeller from the Regional Express (REX) SAAB 340 was located by NSW Police at around noon today. The propeller was located by NSW Police helicopter PolAir1 in an area of bushland near Revesby in Sydney’s south-west. The ATSB is now working with NSW Police to recover the 100kg propeller assembly in preparation for examination. Since the propeller assembly detached from the engine on a flight from Albury to Sydney on 17 March, the ATSB has been calculating its likely trajectory, using data from the aircraft’s flight data recorder. The propeller was located in an area broadly…

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 that might assist the investigation…

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau and the Department of Civil Aviation Malaysia today confirmed that a large piece of aircraft debris has arrived in Canberra for examination as part of the search for MH370. The large piece of what is likely to be a wing flap was found by locals on Pemba Island, just off the coast of Tanzania, Africa on 23 June 2016. Malaysia and Australia have worked with Tanzanian officials to assume responsibility for the wing flap. Technical specialists from the ATSB are working with Malaysian investigators to determine if it is from the Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777,…

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…

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 reported incidents and ATSB investigations to identify key learning opportunities for pilots. 'The statistics clearly identify a long-term trend in improving safety in the sector, but both ATSB and AAAA…