Mr Graham Drummond is the Investigator-in-Charge (IIC) of the Australian Transport Safety Bureau's (ATSB) investigation into this fatal aircraft accident that occurred at approximately 4.00 pm AEST on Wednesday 24 September 2008. The ATSB will have a team at the accident site on Thursday morning, 25 September 2008 and will be assisted by an accredited representative from the United States, National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and advisers from the aircraft and engine manufacturers. A media conference discussing the progress of the investigation into the circumstances surrounding this…

A media conference discussing the progress of the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the Robinson R44 collision with terrain on 14 September 2008 will be held today, Tuesday 16 September 2008 at the accident site. Where: Bellburn Airstrip, WA Time: 2:00 pm local time (WST) Attendees must assemble at the Bellburn Airstrip by 2.00 pm where they will be escorted by a ranger to the accident site in their own vehicles. The track to the accident site from the Bellburn Airstrip is by 4 wheel-drive only. Mr Chris Walker, Investigator-in-Charge (IIC), will discuss factual information…

A media conference discussing the progress of the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the mid-air single fatality accident on 27 August 2008 will be held tomorrow, Thursday 28 August 2008. Where: 47 Silver Street, (crn Lorna and Silver Streets) Cheltenham, Victoria Time: 10:30 am (local time) Mr Mike Watson, Investigator in Charge (IIC) will discuss factual information known to the investigation team at this time and will outline the investigation process. Any person/witness with information about the accident is encouraged to contact the ATSB on 1800 020 616. No further media…

A media conference discussing the progress of the investigation into the circumstances surrounding this helicopter accident will be held tomorrow, Tuesday 30 September 2008 Where: In front of the Aero Maintenance Hangar at Derby Airport, WA Time: 10:00 am WST (local time) Mr Stewart Ross, Investigator-in-Charge (IIC), will discuss factual information known to the investigation team at this time and will outline the investigation process. Any person/witness with information about the accident is encouraged to contact the ATSB on 1800 020 616. No further media briefings will be conducted by the…

On Friday 23 May 2008 at 10.30 am AEST, the ATSB will hold a media conference to release its final investigation report into the grounding of the Panamanian registered bulk carrier Pasha Bulker on Nobby's Beach, Newcastle, New South Wales on 8 June 2007. When: Friday 23 May 2008 Where: 15 Mort Street, Canberra, ACT (ATSB Headquarters) Time: 10:30 am local time (Australian Eastern Standard Time) Mr Peter Foley, Acting Executive Director, ATSB will present and discuss the findings of the final report and associated safety action.

A media conference to release the Preliminary Factual Report on the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the depressurisation 475 km north-west of Manila, Philippines on 25 July 2008, will be held: Friday 29 August 2008 Where: 15 Mort Street, CANBERRA Time: 10:30 am (local time) Mr Julian Walsh, acting Executive Director will discuss factual information known to the investigation team at this time and will outline the investigation process.

The ATSB has found that a misunderstanding between the master and pilot, and the lack of planning by the ship's crew were contributing factors in the grounding of the Liberian flagged general cargo ship Mellum on 28 September 2004. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau investigation found the master/pilot information exchange was deficient, and that the insets and scales of the navigation chart in use may have contributed to the grounding. At 1124 Australian Central Standard Time on 28 September, the general cargo ship Mellum let go from the wharf at Thevenard and headed to sea with a pilot…

An ATSB investigation has found that the driver of a motor vehicle who was fatally injured on 11 August 2005 at the Edith Street level crossing in Horsham, Victoria, did not give way to the train as prescribed in 'Road Rules�- Victoria'. The motorist drove into the path of the train even though the level crossing flashing lights and bell were operating correctly. The ATSB's report concludes that it is likely that the driver of the car was distracted by internal and/or external factors. Internal factors may have included an expectation that a train would not be present, familiarity with the…

The ATSB has announced that it will refer Lessbrook Pty Ltd to the Director of Public Prosecutions for its failure over several years to report aviation safety occurrences to the bureau as required by legislation. Lessbrook Pty Ltd operates under the name Transair and was the operator of the aircraft in which two pilots and 13 passengers lost their lives on 7 May 2005. Despite the accident, it is only in recent weeks that Lessbrook has provided the Australian Transport Safety Bureau with evidence which our analysis has shown includes 25 safety incidents which should have been reported…

A joint investigation carried out by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau and the Marshall Islands Maritime Authorities has found that a lack of preparedness, communication and supervision; and the incorrect use of the mooring winch brake were contributing factors in the death of a crew member on board the Marshall Islands flagged ship Probo Bear on 10 April 2006. At 2150 on 10 April, the crew on board the products/ oil/bulk/ore carrier Probo Bear prepared to shift the ship forward, to position its number seven cargo hold under the Groote Eylandt jetty fixed loading boom. The weather was…