Media Room: Media Releases

BLACK HAWK 221 BOARD OF INQUIRY

HEARING OF EVIDENCE CONCLUDES

The hearing of evidence for the Black Hawk 221 Board of Inquiry (BOI) concluded today. The Board will reconvene on Wednesday 29 August 2007 for final submissions from Counsel Assisting the Inquiry and Counsel Representing.

Following final submissions, the Board will retire to consider the evidence and submissions. This will be followed by preparation of the report to the Chief of the Defence Force by 31 January 2008.

The BOI has been established to determine the facts and circumstances surrounding the loss of an Army Black Hawk helicopter (Number 221) operating with HMAS KANIMBLA off Fiji on 29 November last year. Two ADF personnel, Captain Mark Bingley and Trooper Joshua Porter, died in the incident.

Boards of Inquiry are undertaken so that an informed decision may be taken by the Appointing Authority about the action required. This includes where appropriate, action to avoid a recurrence. While the purpose of a BOI is to inform the Appointing Authority, the Inquiry process is impartial and separate from the normal ADF Chain of Command.

The Black Hawk 221 Board is comprised of retired NSW Supreme Court Justice, The Hon. David Levine RFD QC, and ADF members Group Captain Stephen Fielder AM and Commander Andrew Rourke RAN.

More information is available at: www.defence.gov.au/boi/blackhawk221

Media contact: Defence Media Liaison (02) 6265 3343 or (0408) 498 664

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