Tue Sep 17 07:21:45 UTC 2024: ## Faulty Engine Blamed for Taipan Helicopter Crash, Raising Concerns Over Defence Safety Practices
**Canberra, Australia:** A damning report into the crash of an MRH-90 Taipan helicopter in Jervis Bay in March 2023 has revealed a faulty engine was the primary cause. The report, tabled in the Senate after pressure from crossbench MPs, found the aircraft was operating without recommended engine modifications, despite knowledge of potential engine failures.
The investigation, conducted by the Defence air safety branch, revealed that in 2017, the engine manufacturer had recommended replacing engine blades with modified versions following a series of failures in Taipans worldwide. While the army acknowledged the manufacturer’s recommendation, it deemed the risk of engine failure with the faulty blades as “extremely small” and decided not to implement the modifications.
The crash occurred when the helicopter’s left-hand engine suffered a catastrophic failure during a training exercise. The investigation determined that had the recommended modifications been installed, the crash would have been avoided.
Senator Malcolm Roberts of One Nation, who pushed for the report’s release, criticized the Defence Force’s decision to continue flying the helicopters without the modifications. He argued that the decision was “damning” and demonstrated a disregard for safety.
The report further revealed that the army did not conduct a risk assessment to determine the likelihood of engine failure within its Taipan fleet. The investigation also found that the pilot’s decision to shut down the functioning engine during the crash was not in accordance with standard emergency procedures, leading to a rapid descent and impact with the water.
The Greens Senator David Shoebridge expressed concern about the lack of accountability within Defence, claiming that rather than taking disciplinary action against senior officials, the department merely shuffled personnel.
Following the Jervis Bay crash and a subsequent fatal Taipan crash in Queensland, Australia grounded its entire Taipan fleet and is now decommissioning the helicopters ahead of schedule. The investigation has resulted in 13 recommendations for improving safety, procedures, and training within the Defence Force.
The findings have raised significant concerns about the safety practices within the Defence Force and the lack of accountability for decisions that ultimately led to the crashes. The report’s release has prompted calls for a comprehensive review of safety protocols and a commitment to prioritizing the safety of personnel.
First Piper 