Charred pictures reveal MRH Taipan fire damage

Shocking photos have emerged revealing the extent of damage to a Townsville MRH Taipan responsible for starting an out of control bushfire that burnt through nearly 8000 hectares of protected land.

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SHOCKING photos have emerged revealing the extent of damage to a Townsville MRH Taipan responsible for starting an out of control bushfire that burnt through nearly 8000 hectares of protected land, failing to notify authorities.

The photos, taken by Army aircrew on-board show how quickly the fire grew in only a matter of seconds after being accidentally lit by the helicopter’s landing light when it set down in the Namadgi National Park.

A photograph taken by aircrew on-board a Defence helicopter responsible for starting the Orroral Valley fire, just moments after it was accidentally lit. Supplied to ABC by Department Of Defence.

It was later found the aircrew took at least 45 minutes to notify emergency responders, and waited until they landed at Canberra Airport, despite knowing they were responsible for the blaze.

By the time ACT fire authorities pinpointed the fire’s location, the flames had swept into woodland and become an inferno, growing at a rate of more than 400 hectares per hour, and was more than 7,900 hectares in size at its peak – one of the worst in the region’s history.

The helicopter’s undercarriage received fire damage, but the true extent hasn’t been known until now.

A photograph taken by aircrew on-board a Defence helicopter responsible for starting the Orroral Valley fire, just moments after it was accidentally lit. Supplied to ABC by Department Of Defence.

Defence has previously told the Townsville Bulletin the aircrew followed protocol and was unable to make immediate contact.

“Addressing this potentially catastrophic risk to crew and aircraft was the aircrew’s immediate priority, and was the focus of radio traffic during the flight to safety,” the spokesman said.

“Once airborne, the aircrew relayed the MRH-90’s in-flight emergency situation to Canberra Air Traffic Control and their higher military commanders.

“The crew determined that the safest course of action was to land at Canberra Airport, as it provided the nearest safe landing area with access to emergency services in the event of a problematic landing.”

A photograph taken by aircrew on-board a Defence helicopter responsible for starting the Orroral Valley fire, just moments after it was accidentally lit. Supplied to ABC by Department Of Defence.

The Defence department declined questions previously put to them by the Townsville Bulletin including the extent of the damage, the cost and when the aircraft was returned to service.

A photograph taken by aircrew on-board a Defence helicopter responsible for starting the Orroral Valley fire, just moments after it was accidentally lit. Supplied to ABC by Department Of Defence.

A Defence spokesman at the time, confirmed an aviation safety investigation launched two days after the January 27, 2020 incident, clearing the aircrew of any wrongdoing.

“A Safety Investigation found the likely cause of the fire was the searchlight of the MRH-90,” the defence spokesman said.

“Revised aircraft procedures relating to the use of aircraft lighting in extreme weather conditions have since been incorporated in MRH manuals.

“Defence supports the actions taken by the crew, who performed well in an emergency situation.”

Originally published as Charred pictures reveal MRH Taipan fire damage