The illumination of the joystick steering panel’s ‘joystick on’ light indicated which panel was selected (or last selected) for use and bore no relation to the steering mode selected. This increased risk as it was misleading and contrary to the understanding of the ship’s officers who believed that the illumination of the light was only possible when the joystick steering mode was selected.
The modifications made to VecTwin joystick panels should significantly reduce the risk of manoeuvring controls being transferred to the wing with the incorrect steering mode selected. The positive visual indication of the selection of joystick steering mode and the associated procedural check introduced to incorporate this improvement should adequately address this safety issue.
On 3 June 2022, CSL Australia advised the ATSB that, following the collision, technical modifications were made to Goliath's VecTwin joystick system panels to incorporate a positive visual indication that the correct steering mode had been selected at the steering console. The checklist for the transfer of controls was also updated to include this additional check.
