Search operation for Malaysia Airlines aircraft Media Release - 28 March 2014 The search area for missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 has been updated after a new credible lead was provided to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). As a result, today’s search will shift to an area 1,100 kilometres to the north-east based on updated advice provided by the international investigation team in Malaysia. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB), Australia’s investigation agency, has examined this advice and determined that this is the most credible lead to where…

A research Report released today by the ATSB reveals that the vast majority of loss of aircraft separation occurrences in Australia present little or no risk of collision, but more can be done to improve safety. (A loss of separation occurs when two aircraft under air traffic control come closer than a minimum separation distance.) The Report shows that Australia has one of the lowest loss-of-separation occurrence rates, attributable to…

The ATSB will conduct an on-site media briefing on its investigation into the 9 December 2013 aircraft accident near the Lakelands Senior High School, South Lake, WA. The Investigator-in-Charge, Mr Alex Hood will discuss factual information known to the ATSB at this time and will outline the investigation process. The ATSB has deployed four investigators, who will begin work at the accident site on Tuesday afternoon 10 December 2013. Over the next two days they will examine the wreckage site, interview witnesses and collect maintenance records. The investigators are seeking witness…

The ATSB will conduct an onsite media briefing on its investigation into the 18 September 2013 aircraft accident at Geraldton Airport, Western Australia. The Investigator-in-Charge, Mr Andrew Roberton will discuss factual information known to the ATSB at this time and will outline the investigation process. The ATSB has deployed two investigators, who have already begun work at the accident site. Over the next few days they will examine the wreckage site, interview witnesses and collect maintenance records. The investigators are seeking witness reports…

The ATSB today released the final report of its investigation into the uncontained engine failure involving a Qantas Airbus A380 over Batam Island, Indonesia on 4 November 2010.  The accident occurred shortly after the aircraft took off from Singapore. At about 7,000 ft above Batam Island, one of the aircraft’s Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engines failed, sending debris into the aircraft’s left wing and fuselage, and onto Batam Island. There was significant damage to the aircraft’s electrical, hydraulic and other systems. The crew managed the multitude of…

Today the ATSB released the first in a series of short YouTube videos highlighting areas where more can be done to improve transport safety in Australia.  The first video focuses on the recurring dangers facing general aviation pilots, particularly around low-level flying, striking power lines, fuel management and flying into bad weather. ATSB Chief Commissioner, Martin Dolan, said the videos are part of the ATSB’s efforts to increase awareness of the recurrent risks that need to be managed in the aviation, maritime and rail communities.  “We’re finding through our…

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB), at the request of the Queensland Government, has initiated an investigation into the passenger train accident at Cleveland Station in Brisbane yesterday. The accident occurred when a QR passenger train failed to stop at the Cleveland station platform and collided with the end-of-line buffer-stop, the platform and the station building. There were 15 people on board the train (including the driver and a guard) while four people were on the platform and in the station building. A number of people were treated for minor injuries and transported to…

The ATSB is concerned that a significant number of R44 helicopters are at risk of fire after an accident because their fuel tanks have not been retrofitted with a safety improvement.  In its preliminary investigation report, released today, into last month’s fatal R44 helicopter accident at Bulli Tops in NSW, the ATSB highlights the similarities of this accident with others involving R44 helicopters with all-aluminium fuel tanks. The Bulli Tops accident occurred on 21 March when an R44 helicopter caught fire after striking a tree and colliding with…

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) will conduct an independent external review of the ATSB’s investigation processes and publish the results. The review was announced today by TSB Chair, Wendy A. Tadros and ATSB Chief Commissioner, Martin Dolan.  The review, to begin with an initial visit by the TSB team this month, will provide an independent and objective assessment of the ATSB’s investigation methodology and processes.  The review team will benchmark TSB investigation methodologies with the ATSB’s and compare them with international standards. The review will also…

The ATSB will conduct an on-site media briefing on its investigation into the collision with terrain involving Cirrus SR22, VH-CKS, near Boxwood (Shepparton) Victoria on 27 June 2013. The Investigator-in-Charge, Mr Kevin Chapman will discuss factual information known to the ATSB at this time and will outline the investigation process. The ATSB has deployed four investigators, with specialisations in engineering and aircraft operations. Over the next few days they will examine the wreckage and accident site, interview witnesses, collect maintenance and pilot records and…