Latest news with #6thAviationRegiment
West Australian
22-05-2025
- General
- West Australian
Army chopper crashed after evasive action, report finds
DEFENCE AVIATION SAFETY REPORT KEY FINDINGS OF FATAL ARMY HELICOPTER CRASH OFF QUEENSLAND'S WHITSUNDAY ISLANDS * On the night of July 28, 2023 an MRH-90 Taipan of the 6th Aviation Regiment plunged into the sea while flying in formation with three other choppers on a mission during Exercise Talisman Sabre 23 * Captain Danniel Lyon, Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Warrant Officer Class Two Joseph Laycock and Corporal Alexander Naggs died in the crash * In response, the Director of the Defence Flight Safety Bureau formed an investigative team to determine the cause of the crash, identify factors that contributed to it and recommend safety improvements to prevent a recurrence * The investigation concluded the primary cause of the accident was an unrecognised loss of spatial orientation, commonly referred to as spatial disorientation, meaning the pilots misperceived the aircraft's position in the air * Due to low altitude and the high rate of descent of the aircraft the investigation concluded the pilots did not have time to regain an accurate picture of the helicopter's orientation and take recovery action before impact * Varying visibility in overcast and showery conditions, where the horizon was more than likely not discernible, contributed to the pilots' spatial disorientation while they were maintaining formation using night vision devices * Cabin doors were closed to minimise crew exposure to rain and low temperatures but this restricted visibility and the ability of crew to alert the pilot to where the aircraft was in relation to the sea * The investigation found the pilots were likely experiencing a level of fatigue shown to impede optimal performance and increase susceptibility to spatial disorientation * Policy relating to rostering practices was also found to be sub-optimal, contributing to an environment where fatigue-related risks were not mitigated effectively * The investigation found the aircraft's engine and flight control systems were operating normally and there were no structural failures of the helicopter prior to impact * It was also found that demands on key personnel responsible for aviation safety often exceeded workforce capacity, which likely degraded the effectiveness of Army Aviation's safety, quality and risk management systems * The report does not seek to apportion blame or determine liability and does not recommend disciplinary or administrative action against organisations or individuals * It identified 196 findings, resulting in 46 recommendations which have all been accepted by the Defence Aviation Authority Defence All-hours Support Line (ASL) - 1800 628 036 Defence Member and Family Support - 1800 624 608 Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling - 1800 011 046 Lifeline - 13 11 14
Perth Now
22-05-2025
- General
- Perth Now
Army chopper crashed after evasive action, report finds
DEFENCE AVIATION SAFETY REPORT KEY FINDINGS OF FATAL ARMY HELICOPTER CRASH OFF QUEENSLAND'S WHITSUNDAY ISLANDS * On the night of July 28, 2023 an MRH-90 Taipan of the 6th Aviation Regiment plunged into the sea while flying in formation with three other choppers on a mission during Exercise Talisman Sabre 23 * Captain Danniel Lyon, Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Warrant Officer Class Two Joseph Laycock and Corporal Alexander Naggs died in the crash * In response, the Director of the Defence Flight Safety Bureau formed an investigative team to determine the cause of the crash, identify factors that contributed to it and recommend safety improvements to prevent a recurrence * The investigation concluded the primary cause of the accident was an unrecognised loss of spatial orientation, commonly referred to as spatial disorientation, meaning the pilots misperceived the aircraft's position in the air * Due to low altitude and the high rate of descent of the aircraft the investigation concluded the pilots did not have time to regain an accurate picture of the helicopter's orientation and take recovery action before impact * Varying visibility in overcast and showery conditions, where the horizon was more than likely not discernible, contributed to the pilots' spatial disorientation while they were maintaining formation using night vision devices * Cabin doors were closed to minimise crew exposure to rain and low temperatures but this restricted visibility and the ability of crew to alert the pilot to where the aircraft was in relation to the sea * The investigation found the pilots were likely experiencing a level of fatigue shown to impede optimal performance and increase susceptibility to spatial disorientation * Policy relating to rostering practices was also found to be sub-optimal, contributing to an environment where fatigue-related risks were not mitigated effectively * The investigation found the aircraft's engine and flight control systems were operating normally and there were no structural failures of the helicopter prior to impact * It was also found that demands on key personnel responsible for aviation safety often exceeded workforce capacity, which likely degraded the effectiveness of Army Aviation's safety, quality and risk management systems * The report does not seek to apportion blame or determine liability and does not recommend disciplinary or administrative action against organisations or individuals * It identified 196 findings, resulting in 46 recommendations which have all been accepted by the Defence Aviation Authority Defence All-hours Support Line (ASL) - 1800 628 036 Defence Member and Family Support - 1800 624 608 Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling - 1800 011 046 Lifeline - 13 11 14
The Advertiser
21-05-2025
- The Advertiser
Army pilot took 'evasive action' before fatal crash
The pilot of an army chopper that crashed and killed all four on board took action to avoid a mid-air collision with another aircraft, a defence report reveals. The Aviation Safety Investigation Report into the MRH-90 Taipan helicopter crash on July 28, 2023 was released on Wednesday. Captain Danniel Lyon, Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Warrant Officer Class Two Joseph Laycock and Corporal Alexander Naggs were killed when their helicopter crashed into waters in the Whitsundays during Exercise Talisman Sabre. The investigation found the primary cause of the tragedy was "spatial disorientation", which happens when a pilot misperceives the position of their aircraft in relation to the surrounding environment. It concluded that the pilots were likely experiencing a level of fatigue shown to "impede optimal performance" and increase susceptibility to spatial disorientation. "The estimated level of fatigue ... was considered sufficient to affect their actions and decisions in the event," the report said. The crew, from the Sydney-based 6th Aviation Regiment, were flying in a helicopter given the call-sign Bushman 83, which was the third in a formation of four aircraft as part of a training exercise. The report found that after making a turn, Bushman 83 climbed more than 100 feet within 14 seconds. Cockpit voice recordings revealed there were no communications between the choppers for the period of the climb. But a recording from inside Bushman 83 heard the co-pilot ask "have you still got ('em)". The aircraft pilot replied "yeah still got ('em) mate". It was found the aircraft pilot "almost certainly" lost sight of the helicopter ahead in the formation, Bushman 82. The report stated the aircraft pilot of Bushman 83 likely didn't know the chopper was facing nose down and combined with a lack of recognition of the aircraft's increasing airspeed "resulted in a very high and unrecoverable rate of descent towards the water". The two helicopters came within 50m of each other, with Bushman 83's aircraft captain taking action to avoid a mid-air collision. The report found the helicopters were conducting manoeuvres during rain showers which limited visibility. The chopper was flying with its cabin doors closed which also restricted visibility. The report identified 196 findings, resulting in 46 recommendations across the Defence Aviation Safety Program. All of the recommendations have been accepted by the Defence Aviation Authority, which has committed to their implementation. The aviation safety investigation has been labelled one of the most complex conducted by Defence in recent history. Defence All-hours Support Line (ASL) - 1800 628 036 Defence Member and Family Support - 1800 624 608 Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling - 1800 011 046 Lifeline - 13 11 14 The pilot of an army chopper that crashed and killed all four on board took action to avoid a mid-air collision with another aircraft, a defence report reveals. The Aviation Safety Investigation Report into the MRH-90 Taipan helicopter crash on July 28, 2023 was released on Wednesday. Captain Danniel Lyon, Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Warrant Officer Class Two Joseph Laycock and Corporal Alexander Naggs were killed when their helicopter crashed into waters in the Whitsundays during Exercise Talisman Sabre. The investigation found the primary cause of the tragedy was "spatial disorientation", which happens when a pilot misperceives the position of their aircraft in relation to the surrounding environment. It concluded that the pilots were likely experiencing a level of fatigue shown to "impede optimal performance" and increase susceptibility to spatial disorientation. "The estimated level of fatigue ... was considered sufficient to affect their actions and decisions in the event," the report said. The crew, from the Sydney-based 6th Aviation Regiment, were flying in a helicopter given the call-sign Bushman 83, which was the third in a formation of four aircraft as part of a training exercise. The report found that after making a turn, Bushman 83 climbed more than 100 feet within 14 seconds. Cockpit voice recordings revealed there were no communications between the choppers for the period of the climb. But a recording from inside Bushman 83 heard the co-pilot ask "have you still got ('em)". The aircraft pilot replied "yeah still got ('em) mate". It was found the aircraft pilot "almost certainly" lost sight of the helicopter ahead in the formation, Bushman 82. The report stated the aircraft pilot of Bushman 83 likely didn't know the chopper was facing nose down and combined with a lack of recognition of the aircraft's increasing airspeed "resulted in a very high and unrecoverable rate of descent towards the water". The two helicopters came within 50m of each other, with Bushman 83's aircraft captain taking action to avoid a mid-air collision. The report found the helicopters were conducting manoeuvres during rain showers which limited visibility. The chopper was flying with its cabin doors closed which also restricted visibility. The report identified 196 findings, resulting in 46 recommendations across the Defence Aviation Safety Program. All of the recommendations have been accepted by the Defence Aviation Authority, which has committed to their implementation. The aviation safety investigation has been labelled one of the most complex conducted by Defence in recent history. Defence All-hours Support Line (ASL) - 1800 628 036 Defence Member and Family Support - 1800 624 608 Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling - 1800 011 046 Lifeline - 13 11 14 The pilot of an army chopper that crashed and killed all four on board took action to avoid a mid-air collision with another aircraft, a defence report reveals. The Aviation Safety Investigation Report into the MRH-90 Taipan helicopter crash on July 28, 2023 was released on Wednesday. Captain Danniel Lyon, Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Warrant Officer Class Two Joseph Laycock and Corporal Alexander Naggs were killed when their helicopter crashed into waters in the Whitsundays during Exercise Talisman Sabre. The investigation found the primary cause of the tragedy was "spatial disorientation", which happens when a pilot misperceives the position of their aircraft in relation to the surrounding environment. It concluded that the pilots were likely experiencing a level of fatigue shown to "impede optimal performance" and increase susceptibility to spatial disorientation. "The estimated level of fatigue ... was considered sufficient to affect their actions and decisions in the event," the report said. The crew, from the Sydney-based 6th Aviation Regiment, were flying in a helicopter given the call-sign Bushman 83, which was the third in a formation of four aircraft as part of a training exercise. The report found that after making a turn, Bushman 83 climbed more than 100 feet within 14 seconds. Cockpit voice recordings revealed there were no communications between the choppers for the period of the climb. But a recording from inside Bushman 83 heard the co-pilot ask "have you still got ('em)". The aircraft pilot replied "yeah still got ('em) mate". It was found the aircraft pilot "almost certainly" lost sight of the helicopter ahead in the formation, Bushman 82. The report stated the aircraft pilot of Bushman 83 likely didn't know the chopper was facing nose down and combined with a lack of recognition of the aircraft's increasing airspeed "resulted in a very high and unrecoverable rate of descent towards the water". The two helicopters came within 50m of each other, with Bushman 83's aircraft captain taking action to avoid a mid-air collision. The report found the helicopters were conducting manoeuvres during rain showers which limited visibility. The chopper was flying with its cabin doors closed which also restricted visibility. The report identified 196 findings, resulting in 46 recommendations across the Defence Aviation Safety Program. All of the recommendations have been accepted by the Defence Aviation Authority, which has committed to their implementation. The aviation safety investigation has been labelled one of the most complex conducted by Defence in recent history. Defence All-hours Support Line (ASL) - 1800 628 036 Defence Member and Family Support - 1800 624 608 Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling - 1800 011 046 Lifeline - 13 11 14 The pilot of an army chopper that crashed and killed all four on board took action to avoid a mid-air collision with another aircraft, a defence report reveals. The Aviation Safety Investigation Report into the MRH-90 Taipan helicopter crash on July 28, 2023 was released on Wednesday. Captain Danniel Lyon, Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Warrant Officer Class Two Joseph Laycock and Corporal Alexander Naggs were killed when their helicopter crashed into waters in the Whitsundays during Exercise Talisman Sabre. The investigation found the primary cause of the tragedy was "spatial disorientation", which happens when a pilot misperceives the position of their aircraft in relation to the surrounding environment. It concluded that the pilots were likely experiencing a level of fatigue shown to "impede optimal performance" and increase susceptibility to spatial disorientation. "The estimated level of fatigue ... was considered sufficient to affect their actions and decisions in the event," the report said. The crew, from the Sydney-based 6th Aviation Regiment, were flying in a helicopter given the call-sign Bushman 83, which was the third in a formation of four aircraft as part of a training exercise. The report found that after making a turn, Bushman 83 climbed more than 100 feet within 14 seconds. Cockpit voice recordings revealed there were no communications between the choppers for the period of the climb. But a recording from inside Bushman 83 heard the co-pilot ask "have you still got ('em)". The aircraft pilot replied "yeah still got ('em) mate". It was found the aircraft pilot "almost certainly" lost sight of the helicopter ahead in the formation, Bushman 82. The report stated the aircraft pilot of Bushman 83 likely didn't know the chopper was facing nose down and combined with a lack of recognition of the aircraft's increasing airspeed "resulted in a very high and unrecoverable rate of descent towards the water". The two helicopters came within 50m of each other, with Bushman 83's aircraft captain taking action to avoid a mid-air collision. The report found the helicopters were conducting manoeuvres during rain showers which limited visibility. The chopper was flying with its cabin doors closed which also restricted visibility. The report identified 196 findings, resulting in 46 recommendations across the Defence Aviation Safety Program. All of the recommendations have been accepted by the Defence Aviation Authority, which has committed to their implementation. The aviation safety investigation has been labelled one of the most complex conducted by Defence in recent history. Defence All-hours Support Line (ASL) - 1800 628 036 Defence Member and Family Support - 1800 624 608 Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling - 1800 011 046 Lifeline - 13 11 14
Perth Now
21-05-2025
- Perth Now
Army pilot took 'evasive action' before fatal crash
The pilot of an army chopper that crashed and killed all four on board took action to avoid a mid-air collision with another aircraft, a defence report reveals. The Aviation Safety Investigation Report into the MRH-90 Taipan helicopter crash on July 28, 2023 was released on Wednesday. Captain Danniel Lyon, Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Warrant Officer Class Two Joseph Laycock and Corporal Alexander Naggs were killed when their helicopter crashed into waters in the Whitsundays during Exercise Talisman Sabre. The investigation found the primary cause of the tragedy was "spatial disorientation", which happens when a pilot misperceives the position of their aircraft in relation to the surrounding environment. It concluded that the pilots were likely experiencing a level of fatigue shown to "impede optimal performance" and increase susceptibility to spatial disorientation. "The estimated level of fatigue ... was considered sufficient to affect their actions and decisions in the event," the report said. The crew, from the Sydney-based 6th Aviation Regiment, were flying in a helicopter given the call-sign Bushman 83, which was the third in a formation of four aircraft as part of a training exercise. The report found that after making a turn, Bushman 83 climbed more than 100 feet within 14 seconds. Cockpit voice recordings revealed there were no communications between the choppers for the period of the climb. But a recording from inside Bushman 83 heard the co-pilot ask "have you still got ('em)". The aircraft pilot replied "yeah still got ('em) mate". It was found the aircraft pilot "almost certainly" lost sight of the helicopter ahead in the formation, Bushman 82. The report stated the aircraft pilot of Bushman 83 likely didn't know the chopper was facing nose down and combined with a lack of recognition of the aircraft's increasing airspeed "resulted in a very high and unrecoverable rate of descent towards the water". The two helicopters came within 50m of each other, with Bushman 83's aircraft captain taking action to avoid a mid-air collision. The report found the helicopters were conducting manoeuvres during rain showers which limited visibility. The chopper was flying with its cabin doors closed which also restricted visibility. The report identified 196 findings, resulting in 46 recommendations across the Defence Aviation Safety Program. All of the recommendations have been accepted by the Defence Aviation Authority, which has committed to their implementation. The aviation safety investigation has been labelled one of the most complex conducted by Defence in recent history. Defence All-hours Support Line (ASL) - 1800 628 036 Defence Member and Family Support - 1800 624 608 Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling - 1800 011 046 Lifeline - 13 11 14
Perth Now
08-05-2025
- Perth Now
Overwork complaint unheard before fatal chopper crash
A pilot's complaint that work burdens would "ultimately kill me" went unheard by army aviation's commander before a helicopter crash killed him and three others, an inquiry has been told. The Australian Defence Force inquiry into the July 2023 crash continues in Brisbane before former judge Margaret McMurdo. The crew from the 6th Aviation Regiment was flying in a night training run during the ADF's annual Exercise Talisman Sabre alongside US forces. Captain Danniel Lyon, Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Warrant Officer Class 2 Joseph "Phillip" Laycock and Corporal Alexander Naggs died when their MRH-90 Taipan crashed into waters off Queensland's Whitsunday Islands. The inquiry has heard the crew was probably suffering from "hazardous fatigue", with an aviation medicine expert saying it was "highly likely" that contributed to the crash. Under questioning on Thursday, Major General Stephen Jobson, the former commanding officer of Army Aviation Command, agreed that significant workload was a driver of fatigue. "Solving that fatigue metric in the workplace ... it's a never-ending commitment from command to respond, to mitigate, to prevent, act in regard to fatigue." Counsel assisting, Colonel Jens Streit, quoted a previous army aviation witness telling the inquiry that Capt Lyon during a training course had complained about heavy administrative burdens compromising his ability to be a pilot. The witness gave evidence Capt Lyon said words to the effect he "no longer had time to remain proficient and confident within the cockpit" and didn't feel empowered to "prioritise my primary role that could ultimately kill me". Ms McMurdo said "the remarkable thing" about the complaint was that administrative burdens were affecting officers' ability to be safe pilots and that it could lead to accidents and fatalities. When asked if Capt Lyon's complaint had been reported to him, Maj Gen Jobson said: "They're quite distinctive final words. I would recall if that was advised to me." Asked about the Talisman Sabre exercise in 2023, he said he was satisfied important risk controls were in place for the mission. Maj Gen Jobson told the inquiry on Wednesday the Taipans were underperforming and posed an "elevated risk" to personnel. The inquiry has heard Army Aviation was working on the "rapid replacement" of the Taipan with new US-made Black Hawk helicopters when the 2023 crash happened. Public hearings of the inquiry will close on Friday with statements from the families of those who died in the crash.
