Introduction As pilots, we are familiar with well-publicised events of aircrew who, as a result of their experience and exceptional airmanship, avoided what could have been a disaster and a tragic loss of life. Pilots, such as Captain ‘Al’ Haynes in command of a United Airlines Douglas DC-10 on a flight from Denver to Chicago in July 1989, that had the fan wheel of its number two (centre) engine disintegrate, causing a loss of all three of its hydraulic control systems — an unprecedented problem that made the aircraft nearly impossible to fly or land. Captain Haynes and his crew…

Why is the ATSB doing this research? Each year, the ATSB conducts investigations into transport safety matters in aviation, rail and marine. Most of these reports document safety issues (factors that have a potential to adversely affect the safety of future operations) identified during the investigation, along with the assigned risk level for each safety issue. The ATSB also individually documents safety actions completed by industry or regulators in response to the identified safety issues. When no or inadequate safety action occurs, the ATSB may also release a safety recommendation, which…

Why have we done this report In the last three decades, Australia has seen a significant growth in the number of amateur-built aeroplanes (aircraft built for personal use from an original design, established plans or kit, which are not entirely built and assembled in a factory).  However, the safety record of amateur-built aircraft in Australia had not been robustly established. What did this report do The ATSB investigated the safety history of amateur-built aircraft in Australia through analysis of accident data held in the ATSB’s occurrence database from 1988 to 2010. Comparisons were…

Why did we do this report The ATSB receives reports on accidents and other safety incidents involving Australian registered trading vessels (cargo and/or passengers) around the world and trading vessels flying foreign flags within Australia’s maritime jurisdictions. The aim of this report is to provide participants in the shipping industry and other interested parties with information on what accidents and incidents have happened, how often they have happened, and what can be learnt from them. What the ATSB found In 2012, there were 154 marine safety occurrences reported to the Australian…

The Aviation Short Investigation Bulletin covers a range of the ATSB’s short investigations and highlights valuable safety lessons for pilots, operators and safety managers. Released periodically, the Bulletin provides a summary of the less-complex factual investigation reports conducted by the ATSB. The results, based on information supplied by organisations or individuals involved in the occurrence, detail the facts behind the event, as well as any safety actions undertaken. The Bulletin also highlights important Safety Messages for the broader aviation community, drawing on earlier ATSB…

The Aviation Short Investigation Bulletin covers a range of the ATSB’s short investigations and highlights valuable safety lessons for pilots, operators and safety managers. Released periodically, the Bulletin provides a summary of the less-complex factual investigation reports conducted by the ATSB. The results, based on information supplied by organisations or individuals involved in the occurrence, detail the facts behind the event, as well as any safety actions undertaken. The Bulletin also highlights important Safety Messages for the broader aviation community, drawing on earlier ATSB…

The Aviation Short Investigation Bulletin covers a range of the ATSB’s short investigations and highlights valuable safety lessons for pilots, operators and safety managers. Released periodically, the Bulletin provides a summary of the less-complex factual investigation reports conducted by the ATSB. The results, based on information supplied by organisations or individuals involved in the occurrence, detail the facts behind the event, as well as any safety actions undertaken. The Bulletin also highlights important Safety Messages for the broader aviation community, drawing on earlier ATSB…

This report tables rail safety occurrence data by state and territory between 1 July 2002 and 30 June 2012. The data is presented as counts, and divided by kilometres travelled or the number of track kilometres to allow comparison between states. This report excludes tram, light rail and monorail operations. The data presented is designed to assist rail safety professionals and researchers in understanding and taking action to reduce the safety risk. In addition, it can be used for international comparative research, while informing the public about emerging issues in rail…

The Aviation Short Investigation Bulletin covers a range of the ATSB’s shorter investigations and highlights valuable safety lessons for pilots, operators and safety managers. Released periodically, the Bulletin provides a summary of the less-complex factual investigation reports conducted by the ATSB. The results, based on information supplied by organisations or individuals involved in the occurrence, detail the facts behind the event, as well as any safety actions undertaken or identified. The Bulletin also highlights important safety messages for the broader aviation community, drawing on…

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) 2011–12 Annual Report outlines performance against the outcome and program structure in the 2011–12 Infrastructure and Transport Portfolio Budget Statements. Chief Commissioner’s review 2011–12 This was the third year of the ATSB in its current form as a fully independent agency within the Infrastructure and Transport portfolio. The ATSB now has well developed business systems and governance arrangements to support its activities as Australia’s independent transport safety investigator. Our solid underpinnings have enabled us to expand our safety…