This report presents data concerning Australian aviation activity, the aviation industry, aviation accidents and incidents and highlights broad trends and developments in aviation safety. The data are presented graphically in time series figures. Data on aviation accidents and incidents were collected from the ATSB's aviation database. Data concerning aviation activity, the aviation industry, accidents and specific incident types were collected from three main sources: the Bureau of Transport and Regional Economics, part of the Department of Transport and Regional Services, the Civil Aviation…

During 2004 the Neville Committee conducted an Inquiry into Train Illumination. The Committee tabled its report, Train Illumination: An inquiry into some measures proposed to improve train visibility and reduce level crossing accidents, on 24 June 2004. The report can be downloaded from the Neville Committee's website: Train Illumination: An inquiry into some measures proposed to improve train visibility and reduce level crossing accidents can be downloaded from the Neville Committee's website. The Government Response to the report, which was coordinated by the Australian Transport Safety…

The primary objective of any investigation into an air safety occurrence is the prevention of an accident. Sometimes an investigation will uncover a safety deficiency in the aviation system and recommendations are made to address the deficiency. At other times the details and circumstance of an accident or incident don't immediately uncover a safety deficiency or even provide immediate answers. However, the occurrence data is collected and stored in the ATSB database and may at some time in the future form part of a wider analysis of safety issues. A safety deficiency is defined in the…

Mountain wave and associated turbulence In Australia, mountain waves are commonly experienced over and to the lee of mountain ranges in the south-east of the continent. They often appear in the strong westerly wind flows on the east coast in late winter and early spring. Mountain waves are a different phenomena to the mechanical turbulence found in the lee of mountain ranges, and can exist as a smooth undulating airflow or may contain clear air turbulence in the form of breaking waves and 'rotors'. Mountain waves are defined as 'severe' when the associated downdrafts exceed 600 ft/min and/or…

The determination of blood ethanol concentration in a deceased pilot is an important part of the accident investigation. The finding of an elevated blood alcohol level in such a case may have significant implications, both medico-legal and social. It is therefore important to ensure that the finding of an elevated blood alcohol concentration is valid. It is known that micro-organisms involved in the process of putrefaction after death can produce alcohol, usually a mixture of ethanol and other volatile substances. This process occurs when a body is not refrigerated soon after death and is…

Diabetes mellitus is a disease with a wide spectrum of severity and many potential complications if inadequately treated. Historically, diabetic pilots have been permanently disqualified from flying duties. This policy was based on the increased risk of sudden incapacitation in-flight due to hypoglycaemia and cardiovascular disease in diabetics. In recent decades, a shift in worldwide aeromedical policy has occurred. This has resulted in diabetic pilots in several countries, including the United States and Australia, being granted limited flying certification. These pilots are required to…

An examination of the Australian Transport Safety Bureau's aviation occurrence database indicates that distraction has contributed to a number of aviation safety accidents and incidents. The purpose of this study was to: (i) examine the characteristics of pilot distraction(ii) explore the range of distraction sources that have contributed to aviation safety occurrences, and(iii) develop a taxonomy of pilot distraction. In total, 325 occurrences were identified using the database. The results showed that the majority of occurrences were incidents rather than accidents or serious incidents.…

Boeing 747-438, VH-OJU EXECUTIVE SUMMARY An Australian registered Boeing 747-438 aircraft operating a regular passenger transport flight sustained the failure of an engine shortly after take-off from Los Angeles, USA. The engine was subsequently shutdown and the aircraft returned for an uneventful landing. The failed engine was a Rolls Royce RB211-524G2-T model. Preliminary inspection by the operator's maintenance personnel found evidence of extensive internal mechanical damage within the high-pressure compressor section of the engine and as a result, returned the engine to Australia for…

In 2004, there were two wirestrike accidents in New South Wales involving helicopters undertaking locust control operations. The first accident occurred in October 2004 near Forbes and resulted in minor injuries to one occupant and extensive damage to the helicopter. The second accident occurred in November 2004 near Dunedoo and resulted in the death of two occupants. A third occupant was seriously injured and there was extensive damage to the helicopter. A third accident, near Mudgee in November 2004, involved a helicopter that was being used for locust control, although the helicopter was…