This research commenced following receipt of correspondence suggesting that an increase in helicopter engine issues in northern Australia was potentially linked to a change to reduced lead content fuel in these areas. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) advised the ATSB that, in December 2015, the colour and branding of fuel supplied to the northern region of Australia changed, from green Avgas 100/130 to blue Avgas 100LL (low lead). Although the maximum permissible lead content reduced with this change, CASA advised that the actual lead content of the supplied Avgas 100/130 fuel had…

The ATSB Annual Report 2017–18 outlines performance against the outcome and program structure in the Infrastructure and Regional Development Portfolio Budget Statements 2017–18. In my second year as Chief Commissioner, the team and I have continued to position the ATSB as a multi-modal, teams-based, world-class transport safety investigation agency. At the start of 2017–18, the Australian Government allocated the ATSB additional funding to address the resourcing challenges encountered in previous years. We have used this funding to put the ATSB on a path of transformation. We recruited 17…

The online report includes interactive functionality allowing users to access the report’s safety data to create their own reports specific to their needs. The purpose of this report Each year, thousands of safety occurrences involving Australian and foreign-registered aircraft are reported to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) by individuals and organisations in Australia’s aviation industry and by members of the public. This report is part of a series that aims to provide information to the aviation industry, manufacturers and policy makers, as well as to the travelling and…

Why the ATSB did the research Fatigue is an inevitable risk in aviation. As it cannot be completely eliminated, it must be managed. Data on fatigue and its impact on air transport safety is generally only obtained if there is an incident or accident. As a result, there is generally a lack of understanding of the baseline level of fatigue in day-to-day Australian air transport across operators. To provide the air transport industry, regulators and policy makers with further insights into industry perceptions of fatigue, the ATSB conducted a survey of commercial pilots engaged in passenger,…

The first people to arrive at an aircraft accident site can render valuable assistance to minimise injury and loss of life, reduce property loss through damage and prevent the loss of clues and evidence that are vital to determining the reason for the accident. Often, emergency services personnel (police, fire brigade and ambulance, and their Defence Force equivalents) are the first trained personnel to arrive at aircraft accident sites. This online guide (note: printed copies no longer available - PDF version ONLY) has been prepared by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) and the…

The Aviation Short Investigation Bulletin covers a range of the ATSB’s short investigations and highlights valuable safety lessons for pilots, operators and safety managers. Released periodically, the Bulletin provides a summary of the less-complex factual investigation reports conducted by the ATSB. The results, based on information supplied by organisations or individuals involved in the occurrence, detail the facts behind the event, as well as any safety actions undertaken. The Bulletin also highlights important Safety Messages for the broader aviation community, drawing on earlier ATSB…

The ATSB Annual Report 2016–17 outlines performance against the outcome and program structure in the Infrastructure and Regional Development Portfolio Budget Statements 2016–17. Appointed Chief Commissioner on 1 July 2016, I was honoured to be provided the opportunity to lead a world-class transport safety investigation agency. As the accountable authority, I was acutely aware that the ATSB’s primary function is to improve transport safety with priority given to delivering the best safety outcomes for the travelling public. Having worked in other agencies within the transport portfolio for…

The Aviation Short Investigation Bulletin covers a range of the ATSB’s short investigations and highlights valuable safety lessons for pilots, operators and safety managers. Released periodically, the Bulletin provides a summary of the less-complex factual investigation reports conducted by the ATSB. The results, based on information supplied by organisations or individuals involved in the occurrence, detail the facts behind the event, as well as any safety actions undertaken. The Bulletin also highlights important Safety Messages for the broader aviation community, drawing on earlier ATSB…

The Aviation Short Investigation Bulletin covers a range of the ATSB’s short investigations and highlights valuable safety lessons for pilots, operators and safety managers. Released periodically, the Bulletin provides a summary of the less-complex factual investigation reports conducted by the ATSB. The results, based on information supplied by organisations or individuals involved in the occurrence, detail the facts behind the event, as well as any safety actions undertaken. The Bulletin also highlights important Safety Messages for the broader aviation community, drawing on earlier ATSB…

Research of accidents into water has shown that occupants who survive the initial impact will likely have to make an in-water or underwater escape, as helicopters usually rapidly roll inverted post-impact. The research has also shown that drowning is the primary cause of death following a helicopter accident into water. Sonar image of helicopter on seabed Source: Pilbara Ports Authority and contractors working on their behalf What happened On 14 March 2018, at about 2330 Western Standard Time, an Eurocopter EC135 helicopter, registered VH‑ZGA departed Port Hedland…