The ATSB's report into the Epping rail accident reinforces the limitations of reliance on automatic train stops and 'deadman's handle' devices in the event of driver incapacitation and highlights the importance of improving these defences as well as medical standards and processes for train crew. The sole purpose of ATSB investigations is to improve future safety and the Bureau acknowledges the safety actions taken through the Victorian Department of Infrastructure as a result of ATSB's investigation such as reviewing signalling systems and defences, developing new medical standards and…

The supplementary ATSB investigation report into the Whyalla Airlines fatal accident tabled in the Senate today confirms the likelihood of the ATSB's accident scenario in its December 2001 report in contrast to the findings of the SA State Coroner in July 2003. In November last year the ATSB formally re-opened its investigation into the VH-MZK accident after possible significant new evidence about a potential manufacturing defect in the left engine crankshaft steel became available from the US engine manufacturer: - ATSB re-testing of the crankshaft, including using independently witnessed…

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has received international recognition for outstanding work in its Investigation into Ansett Australia maintenance safety deficiencies and the control of continuing airworthiness of Class A aircraft report. In Washington earlier this week, the prestigious Flight Safety Foundation 2003 Cecil A Brownlow Publication Award went to the ATSB for extraordinary efforts in identifying, investigating and reporting on a systemic problem affecting aviation safety worldwide. The ATSB's report, released in November 2002, highlighted that a robust system for…

Speech given to International Transport Safety Association by Kym Bills Executive Director, Australian Transport Safety Bureau 15 May 2007

The increasing cooperation between Australian transport safety investigators and their counterparts from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), has been recognised by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding this morning. The Memorandum was signed by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) and the Interstate Aviation Committee (IAC), representing 12 Independent States: Azerbaidjan, Armenia, Belorus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russian Federation, Tajikistan, Turkmena, Uzbekistan and Ukraine. This agreement sets out protocols for the sharing of expertise and…

Rail 2007, Sydney NSW, 3 April 2007

Presentation given by Mr Kym Bills, Executive Director Australian Transport Safety Bureau Department of Transport and Regional Services Speech presented 7 Aug 2006 <?UMBRACO_MACRO attachment="1607" macroAlias="AttachmentLink" />

Spoken by Mr Kym Bills, Executive Director, Australian Transport Safety Bureau 23 July 2007

Overview Australia has a very safe transport system in international terms across all modes However, major accidents are low probability, high consequence events and we can never afford to be complacent Human factors associated with well-known human performance continue to dominate Systemic investigations remain crucial but pro-active reporting and data analysis also provide for evidence-based risk reduction.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau's supplementary investigation report into the fatal accident involving Whyalla Airlines Piper Chieftain registration VH-MZK on 31 May 2000 is expected to be tabled in the Senate before Question Time today. The report includes a detailed response to the South Australian State Coroner's critical findings on 24 July 2003. After the tabling, ATSB Executive Director Kym Bills will address the media at 1.00pm today on key aspects of the Bureaus report. Mr Bills will then be available for questions. Who: ATSB Executive Director, Mr Kym Bills.…