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21 May 2025
The Aviation Safety Investigation Report into the MRH-90 Taipan helicopter accident on 28 July 2023 has been released today.
Captain Danniel Lyon, Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Warrant Officer Class 2 Joseph ‘Phillip’ Laycock and Corporal Alexander Naggs tragically lost their lives in the accident when their helicopter impacted waters in the vicinity of the Whitsunday Islands during Exercise Talisman Sabre 23.
This aviation safety investigation was one of the most complex conducted by Defence in recent history.
Aviation safety investigations do not seek to apportion blame or liability on individuals or organisations.
The investigation concluded that the primary cause of the accident was an unrecognised loss of spatial orientation, commonly referred to as spatial disorientation.
This refers to a situation where a pilot is unaware of their actual orientation in relation to the earth’s surface and the surrounding environment.
The report identifies 196 findings, indirect findings and observations, which inform 46 recommendations across the Defence Aviation Safety Program.
The Defence Aviation Authority has accepted and is actioning all of the report’s recommendations, and has issued direction to assure these recommendations are completed, and the outcomes are assessed for the effectiveness of implementation.
The wellbeing of the families of the crew, crews involved in the mission and personnel within Army Aviation remains Defence’s top priority.
Today’s release of the report follows essential debriefings with Defence Aviation rotary-wing units, applicable Defence organisations and affected personnel.
This important debriefing process was integral to ensuring the protection of the generative safety culture and the lives of the Defence aviation community.
Defence has provided the report to the Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force and Comcare and is in the process of providing it to the Queensland Coroner.
Background for Media
Click here to view the Report, Enclosures and Factsheet.
As you run sensitive stories on ADF personnel, please include the following support lines:
The Defence Flight Safety Bureau is an independent aviation accident investigation organisation, with the necessary powers, resources, and expertise to oversee Defence aviation investigation processes and reporting systems in an effective and impartial manner.
Defence aviation safety investigations are consistent with international standards and recommended practices specified in the Convention on International Civil Aviation.
Recommendations are made to improve safety system performance and to prevent re-occurrence of a similar event. This is consistent with the Australian Transport Safety Bureau and the International Civil Aviation Organization.
The Defence Aviation Authority, Air Marshal Stephen Chappell, is accountable to the Secretary of Defence and the Chief of the Defence Force for the regulation and oversight of all aspects of Defence aviation.