Operators of Robinson R44 helicopters are being advised to inspect the security of their helicopters' hydraulic-boost servos following a fatal accident at Cessnock Aerodrome, NSW. On 4 February 2011, a Robinson R44 Astro helicopter crashed after part of the aircraft's flight controls separated from the hydraulic-boost system during circuit operations. The pilot survived, but the flight instructor and a passenger died in the accident. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau's (ATSB's) preliminary factual report, released today, reveals that a bolt securing part of the flight control system had…

The ATSB has issued a safety recommendation about potential engine problems in some Airbus A380 aircraft. The safety recommendation identifies a potential manufacturing defect with an oil tube connection to the high-pressure (HP)/intermediate-pressure (IP) bearing structure of the Trent 900 engine installed in some A380 aircraft. The problem relates to the potential for misaligned oil pipe counter-boring, which could lead to fatigue cracking, oil leakage and potential engine failure from an oil fire within the HP/IP bearing buffer space. In response to the recommendation Rolls Royce, affected…

In a preliminary investigation report released today, the ATSB outlines safety actions that have already been taken in response to an uncontained engine failure on board a Qantas A380 aircraft over Batam Island, Indonesia on 4 November 2010. "The investigation highlights Australian and international cooperation in the interests of aviation safety," said the ATSB's Chief Commissioner, Martin Dolan. "The ATSB is the lead investigator, but many others are involved, and their cooperation has been essential". "We're still in the early stages of investigation," Mr Dolan added, "but significant…

An electrical systems failure onboard a Boeing 747 aircraft near Bangkok, Thailand has prompted extensive safety actions from Qantas, Boeing and the US Federal Aviation Administration. On 7 January 2008, the aircraft lost electrical power to many of its onboard systems as a result of overflowing drain water entering generator control units that control the distribution of electrical power. In response to the event and the ATSB investigation, Qantas, Boeing and the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have implemented a number of safety actions to prevent a recurrence. These actions…

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) will undertake a systemic safety investigation into Queensland's coastal pilotage operations. This follows the ATSB's investigation into the 7 February 2009 grounding of the tanker Atlantic Blue in the Torres Strait. ATSB Chief Commissioner, Mr Martin Dolan, said the ATSB decided to conduct this broader safety investigation to address information that came to light during the Atlantic Blue investigation as well as earlier, similar investigations. "The Atlantic Blue investigation is one in a number of cases where we received reports from coastal…

The Papua New Guinea Accident Investigation Commission (AIC) has distributed to directly involved parties a draft report of its investigation into the accident that occurred near Kokoda, Papua New Guinea on 11 August 2009. Directly involved parties are those who were directly involved in the accident or who may have influenced the circumstances that led to it. Those parties have until 23 January 2011 to comment on the factual accuracy of the report and to provide additional evidence in support of any comments. The AIC is investigating this accident in accordance with Annex 13 to the…

The ATSB is reminding aerial work pilots to manage their fatigue levels as they take on higher workloads during this time of the year. The ATSB's advice follows an incident where a pilot fell asleep while undertaking locust spotting activities and had to be awoken by an observer on the plane. ATSB Chief Commissioner, Mr Martin Dolan, said aerial work pilots are especially prone to becoming fatigued during this time of the year. "As pilots increase their flying hours doing high intensity agricultural activity, such as spotting and spraying, they are at far greater risk of becoming fatigued,"…

On Friday 3 December 2010, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) will hold a media briefing to accompany the release of its preliminary factual investigation report into the 4 November 2010 engine failure onboard Qantas Flight QF32 over Batam Island, Indonesia. ATSB Chief Commissioner Mr Martin Dolan will present the facts gathered from the investigation to date and highlight the key safety actions relevant parties have taken to prevent a recurrence.Where: 62 Northbourne Avenue, Canberra City, ACT(ATSB Central Office)Time: 10.30am (AEDT), Friday 3 December 2010The report will be…

The ATSB today released its preliminary investigation report into the 30 August 2010 incident involving an Australian operated Boeing 747 aircraft that experienced an engine failure not long after leaving San Francisco, en route to Sydney. The preliminary report reveals the number 4 (right most) engine sustained an internal mechanical failure in the turbine area, rupturing the casing and ejecting debris that punctured a hole in the cowling. The plane's flaps and wing skin also incurred minor damage. The initial ATSB investigation centred on gathering the facts associated with the engine…

Two ATSB investigators today arrived in San Francisco to begin their investigation into the 30 August incident involving an Australian operated aircraft that experienced engine failure just outside of US airspace. The plane was forced to return to San Francisco airport shortly after take-off due to a failure with its number 4 engine. The failure was mechanical in nature and led to ejected material puncturing a hole in the outboard engine and damaging the plane's flaps. The investigators are expected to remain in San Francisco over the next few days to examine the engine and components and…