Black Hawk 221 Board of Inquiry
On 29 November 2006, an Australian Army Black Hawk helicopter (Number 221) from 171 Aviation Squadron crashed while operating with HMAS Kanimbla in international waters south-west of Suva, Fiji.
At the time, HMAS Kanimbla was deployed to ensure the safety of Australians in Fiji if required. The Black Hawk was carrying four crew and six soldiers from the Special Air Service Regiment when it crashed and sank.
The pilot, Captain Mark Bingley, was killed and one of the passengers, Special Air Service Trooper Joshua Porter, was initially missing and presumed dead. Seven other personnel were injured in the incident.
The body of Captain Bingley was repatriated to RAAF Base Townsville and met by his wife and family. An honour guard escorted Captain Bingley’s body from a Hercules
C-130 aircraft to a private ceremony.
Following the crash of Black Hawk 221, the Australian Defence Force conducted an extensive search for Trooper Porter.
Trooper Porter’s remains were recovered by Defence Maritime Services vessel MV Seahorse Standard on 5 March 2007, using the specialist equipment provided by the United States Navy.
A large portion of the helicopter wreckage was then recovered, including the helicopter’s flight data recorder.
Trooper Porter’s remains were returned home to his wife and family at RAAF Base Richmond on the afternoon of 13 March 2007 where a military bearer party escorted Trooper Porter’s casket to a private family reception.
The Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston AO AFC, has appointed a Board of Inquiry to investigate the circumstances of the incident.
The purpose of the Black Hawk 221 Board of Inquiry is to determine the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident and identify any action required including, where appropriate, action to avoid a recurrence.
The Board is presided over by a civilian President, retired NSW Supreme Court Justice, Hon. David Levine RFD QC. The Board also comprises two Australian Defence Force members, Group Captain Stephen Fielder AM and Commander Andrew Rourke RAN.