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…

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…

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…

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…

On Friday 16 December 2011, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) will hold a media briefing to accompany the release of its final investigation report into the 20 March 2009 tail strike of an Airbus A340-541 at Melbourne Airport. ATSB Chief Commissioner Mr Martin Dolan will present the facts of the investigation and highlight the key safety actions that have resulted by the parties to prevent a recurrence. Where: 62 Northbourne Avenue, Canberra City, ACT(ATSB Central Office) Time: 10.30am (AEDT), Friday 16 December 2011 Copies of the investigation report will be available from 10.…

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…

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…

On Monday 19 December 2011, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) will hold a media briefing to accompany the release of its final investigation report into the 7 October 2008 in-flight upset of an Airbus A330-303 that occurred 154 km west of Learmonth, WA. ATSB Chief Commissioner Mr Martin Dolan will present the facts of the investigation and highlight the key safety actions that have resulted by the parties to prevent a recurrence. Where: 62 Northbourne Avenue, Canberra, ACT(ATSB Central Office) Time: 10.30am (AEDT), Monday 19 December 2011 Copies of the investigation report will be…

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…