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Fatigue cracking leads to Jabiru’s in-flight propeller loss
Key points Jabiru aircraft’s propeller separated in flight during circuit training Inspection of the propeller showed extensive fatigue crack propagation to the propeller bolts…
Flights land at Darwin with reduced landing distances available after misinterpreted NOTAMs
Key points Flight crews of two separate 737 flights misinterpreted NOTAMs at Darwin Airport and believed a displaced threshold was in operation for runway 11; Both crews…
ATSB welcomes US team assisting 737 large air tanker investigation
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has welcomed investigators from the United States to assist in the transport safety investigation into Monday’s large air tanker accident in Western Australia, in line with long-established international protocols. The Boeing 737-300 was modified by the operator for aerial firebombing, and had conducted retardant drops in the Fitzgerald River National Park when it collided with terrain. Thankfully, both aircrew were able to self-extract from the aircraft without serious injuries before the…
Engine malfunction after oil lines transposed
Key points Cessna 441 charter flight diverted and landed safely after right engine malfunctioned; Checks identified air/oil cooler return and air/oil separator vent lines had…
Technical assistance to the Transport Accident Investigation Commission New Zealand investigation of a loss of control on the ground involving a Boeing 777 aircraft, ZK-OKN, at Auckland Airport, New Zealand on 27 January 2023
Melbourne, Victoria, Auckland, New Zealand, Boeing 777, Jet, ZK-OKN, The Boeing Company
AE-2023-001
Fatal R22 helicopter accident highlights inherent high risk of night flying in remote areas
Key points Pilot was not qualified for night flight and continued flying in a remote area after last light; Helicopter collided with the ground after the pilot was likely flying…
Collision and derailment between trains 1150 and T296, Port Botany, New South Wales, on 13 January 2023
1150, Freight, Substantial, St Marys, New South Wales, Derailment, Port Botany, New South Wales, Australian Rail Track Corporation
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T296, Freight, Substantial, Minto, New South Wales, Derailment, Port Botany, New South Wales, Australian Rail Track Corporation
RO-2023-002
Controlled flight into terrain involving Boeing 737-3H4 Fireliner, N619SW, Fitzgerald River National Park, Western Australia, on 6 February 2023
Busselton Airport, Western Australia, Busselton Airport, Western Australia, 737-3H4, 28035, Jet, N619SW, Part 138 Aerial work operations, Destroyed, The Boeing Company, Coulson Flying Tankers
AO-2023-008
737 firebomber accident update 
Comments for attribution to ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell:  It is very early days in our investigation, and at this stage given the remoteness of the site, and the fact that it is bushfire affected, means we have only a limited understanding of the nature of the accident.  We do know that the accident occurred after the aircraft had conducted a second retardant drop on the fire.  Thankfully the crew were able to self-extract from the aircraft and were essentially uninjured.  This is the first serious accident involving a Boeing 737 aircraft in Australia, and the…
Ballina separation incident highlights importance of pilots communicating directly with other aircraft on a CTAF where a SFIS is in place
Key points Cessna Caravan took off from Ballina Airport directly towards an approaching Boeing 737; Caravan pilot had an incorrect mental model of the traffic situation; B737…