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Answers from the Australian Defence Force MRH-90 Inquiry remain in confusion as blame is thrown at helicopter instrument difficulties, fatigue, and pilot disorientation.
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Investigation and hearings into the fatal crash of Australian Army MRH-90 Taipan helicopter, call sign Bushman 83, on 28 July last year continue to provide unclear answers and an uncertain release date for any official accident report.
The aircraft catastrophically crashed into the water near Lindeman Island while conducting night-time training during Exercise Talisman Sabre, resulting in the deaths of Captain Danniel Lyon, Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Warrant Officer Class Two Joseph Laycock, and Corporal Alexander Naggs.
The Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force (IGADF) was appointed to an inquiry to rigorously examine the circumstances and cause of deaths under the Australian Defence Force MRH-90 Inquiry.
Sources familiar with the Defence Flight Safety Bureau’s classified interim report have reportedly stated that investigators have already ruled out mechanical, engine or airframe fault as a cause of the crash, according to recent news coverage provided by Channel 9 current affairs program 60 Minutes.
In addition, the report allegedly found that the pilots had switched control of the aircraft two minutes before the crash.
The helicopter had been flying third in a four-helicopter formation and undertook a series of left-hand turns before starting an abrupt climb and then six seconds later, fatally plunging into the ocean at a speed in excess of 130km/h, according to information published by Channel 9 media.
Further information published by The Sydney Morning Herald alleged that a confidential source had stated that the helicopter’s collective lift lever, which controls blade angle and lift thrust, had been dramatically adjusted in a final attempt to gain rapid height before the crash.
The official inquiry has also reportedly heard that a pilot flying in formation had experienced equipment difficulties related to maintaining level flight during the exercise while an expert in fatigue management has also been brought into the inquiry to discuss significant issues with pilot exhaustion and workload.
A Senate committee meeting in Canberra on 25 October 2023 had previously heard that issues had been identified with the Taipan’s helmet-mounted sight display, image intensifier with the night vision, and forward-looking infrared.
In September last year, the Australian government announced that the ADF MRH-90 Taipan helicopter fleet was grounded and would not return to flying operations before their planned withdrawal date in December, following a series of aircraft accidents.
The Taipan helicopter fleet will be replaced by the accelerated introduction into service of 40 UH‑60M Black Hawk helicopters acquired under the LAND 4507 Phase 1 Multi-Role Helicopter Rapid Replacement Project announced in January 2023.
Those aircraft will be joined by new AH-64E Apache helicopters expected to be introduced into service with the Australian Army in 2025.
