Independent probe into Whitsundays army helicopter tragedy

An independent inquiry into a military helicopter crash that killed four aircrewmen off the coast of Queensland has been launched in a bid to get to the bottom of the catastrophe and prevent it happening again.

An independent inquiry into a military helicopter crash that killed four aircrewmen off the coast of Queensland has been launched in a bid to get to the bottom of the catastrophe and prevent it happening again.

The inquiry, launched by the Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force (IGADF), will be led by high-profile former Justice Margaret McMurdo AC.

Hearings will begin on February 27 in Brisbane.

Four aircrewmen — Captain Daniel Lyon, Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Warrant Officer Class Two Joseph Laycock and Corporal Alexander Naggs — were killed in the July 28, 2023 crash.

Catastrophe struck when the MRH-90 Taipan helicopter they were in ditched into waters near Lindeman Island, in Queensland’s Whitsunday region, during nocturnal training for Exercise Talisman Sabre.

The crash ultimately led to Defence scrapping the 47-aircraft strong MRH-90 Taipan fleet — purchased at a cost of more than $3.7bn — from service 14 years ahead of schedule.

The aircraft was meant to be in service until 2037, but had been plagued by malfunctions and design faults. Australia and the United States have instead accelerated the purchase of the replacement Blackhawk helicopters.

Defence Minister Richard Marles has previously said the decision was made to withdraw them early as at least one of four probes into the crash was due to continue “well into 2024”.

The crash happened hours before Mr Marles and Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong were due to host their US counterparts Lloyd Austin and Antony Blinken as part of high-stakes AUSMIN talks in Brisbane.

Ms McMurdo, in a practice note published ahead of the first hearing, affirmed the inquiry would be conducted in a trauma informed manner.

“I am mindful that the tragic loss of life has impacted many in the community especially the families and friends of the deceased aircrew,” she stated.

“As far as practicable, the Inquiry will be conducted in a trauma informed manner.

“The matters being examined by the Inquiry are complex and may take time to thoroughly and sensitively investigate.

“The Inquiry will endeavour to identify the causes of the incident as expeditiously as possible in the circumstances and make recommendations to avoid or limit the risk of such an event reoccurring.”

Ms McMurdo will be supported by IGADF assistants Air Vice-Marshal Joe Iervasi (retd) who has and Colonel Jens Streit who is a barrister and senior Army Reservist.

In a statement the IGADF stated the Inspector-General had invited family members of those who died to be involved in the inquiry process, ensuring their perspectives are considered.

If you or someone you know needs help, call Open Arms on 1800 011 046 or DVA on 1800 838 372. Defence Member and Family Helpline: 1800 624 608.