Whitsunday helicopter crash: No early retirement for embattled MRH-90 Taipans

Australia’s troubled fleet of MRH-90 Taipans will still not be officially retired until the end of next year, despite being grounded while investigations continue into the crash in which four Australian Army aviators are feared dead.

Australia’s troubled fleet of MRH-90 Taipans will still not be officially retired until the end of next year, despite being grounded while investigations continue into Friday’s crash in North Queensland in which four Australian Army aviators are feared dead.

The whole fleet of 14 was earmarked to be “binned” by December 24, 2024, because of significant reliability and operational issues.

Chief of the Australian Army Lieutenant General Simon Stuart said on Sunday that was still the plan.

“The aim is still 2024, what happens between now and then from what we learn from this incident is yet to be determined,” Lt Gen Stuart said.

“We just need a bit of time, but today we are focused on bringing them home, on supporting their families and getting to the bottom (of what happened).

“Which I suspect is going to take some time, given the difficulties of the site.”

Lt Gen Stuart said the flying of the MRH-90 had been stopped and would not continue until it was safe to do so.

“The air safety investigation team arrive in Queensland (Sunday), they will do their work, very thorough investigative work and the aim is to understand what happened and why it happened,” he said.

“Speculation between now and them doing their work is really unhelpful, I am not going to speculate and I would ask others just to consider the families, the other aviators that are involved and lets let that team do its work.

“We will find out what those outcomes are in due course and the aim of being armed with that knowledge is to ensure that we understand what happened and we can prevent it happening it again.”

Australia’s troubled fleet of MRH-90 Taipans has grounded while investigations continue Steve Vit

The fleet was temporarily grounded after a helicopter crashed off Jervis Bay in March during a night exercise.

About 10 elite soldiers were rescued, and two men suffered minor injuries. The fleet returned in April despite the continuation into the probe of what happened.

The fleet had a number of problems since it was introduced on Sunday.

It comes as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese gave out a stark reminder about those serving.

“This is a stark reminder that there are no safe or easy days for those who serve in our country’s name,” Mr Albanese said.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

“These Australians were taking part in Exercise Talisman Sabre, bringing together 13 nations and up to 30,000 personnel.

“An exercise dedicated to deepening international co-operation and building a more peaceful and secure world. Serving their country and serving the cause of peace. There is indeed no higher calling.”

Mr Albanese said all Australians owe a debt to the brave men and women who serve in order to protect Australia.

“On behalf of our nation, our thoughts and prayers are with the families, friends and colleagues of those that are missing,” he said.

US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin said the United States was ready to provide any further assistance they could.

“My thoughts are with the four Australians who were involved in the helicopter crash yesterday, and our hearts go out to their loved ones during this terribly difficult time,” he said.