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…

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…

The ATSB today released the final report of its investigation into the uncontained engine failure involving a Qantas Airbus A380 over Batam Island, Indonesia on 4 November 2010.  The accident occurred shortly after the aircraft took off from Singapore. At about 7,000 ft above Batam Island, one of the aircraft’s Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engines failed, sending debris into the aircraft’s left wing and fuselage, and onto Batam Island. There was significant damage to the aircraft’s electrical, hydraulic and other systems. The crew managed the multitude of system failures before safely returning…

Today the ATSB released the first in a series of short YouTube videos highlighting areas where more can be done to improve transport safety in Australia.  The first video focuses on the recurring dangers facing general aviation pilots, particularly around low-level flying, striking power lines, fuel management and flying into bad weather. ATSB Chief Commissioner, Martin Dolan, said the videos are part of the ATSB’s efforts to increase awareness of the recurrent risks that need to be managed in the aviation, maritime and rail communities.  “We’re finding through our…

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 has today released a new YouTube video highlighting the risks and hazards of working on rail, as part of Rail Safety Week. The video features animation from a fatal accident where a passenger train collided with an excavator near Newbridge, NSW. ATSB Chief Commissioner Martin Dolan said safe work on rail is a top priority for the ATSB and is an issue that needs heightened attention from the rail industry. “The ATSB has investigated several accidents that have occurred when maintenance work was being carried out around railway tracks,” Mr Dolan said. “These accidents were primarily…

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…

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…

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…