On 28 July 2023, an Australian Army MRH-90 Taipan helicopter impacted waters near Lindeman Island, Queensland, during a night-time training activity as part of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023.

Tragically, Captain Danniel Lyon, Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Warrant Officer Class 2 Joseph ‘Phillip’ Laycock, and Corporal Alexander Naggs from the 6th Aviation Regiment were killed in the incident.

This page provides links to information relating to the various inquiries and reports. Some of the resources linked on this website do not belong to Defence, please consult the relevant website owner with questions regarding their content.

Resources

Defence Flight Safety Bureau

Report: 6th Aviation Regiment – NHIndustries MRH-90 Taipan A40-040, Spatial Disorientation leading to Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT), Whitsunday Islands, QLD, 28 July 2023

Defence Aviation Safety Authority website – Defence Flight Safety Bureau

Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force

On 31 October 2023, the Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force (IGADF) commenced an inquiry into the crash of an MRH-90 Taipan helicopter in waters near Lindeman Island on 28 July 2023. The report into the accident has now been finalised and provided to the Chief of the Defence Force.

As Defence considers the report, our thoughts remain with the families, loved ones and colleagues of Captain Danniel Lyon, Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Warrant Officer Class Two Joseph ‘Phillip’ Laycock and Corporal Alexander Naggs. The loss of these soldiers continues to be felt across Defence.

Defence’s immediate focus is supporting those affected and ensuring no further harm is caused as Defence works through the findings and recommendations.

Support services are available to those affected by the accident whether they are current or former serving ADF personnel or their families.

IGADF website – IGADF MRH-90 Inquiry

Senate Inquiry

Parliament of Australia website – MRH90 Taipan Helicopter incident

Welfare support

Defence acknowledges this may be a difficult and challenging time for some people.

Wellbeing support remains available to Defence personnel, families and those affected by the matter.

Links to support helplines are available in the Contacts section on this page.