Investigators ruled out the controversial night vision visor system TopOwl as a contributing factor, despite damning evidence being heard in a separate public inquiry in Brisbane.
Investigators ruled out the controversial night vision visor system TopOwl as a contributing factor, despite damning evidence being heard in a separate public inquiry in Brisbane.
By Fraser Barton
April 4, 2025 — 9.33am
Families of four Australian Defence Force members killed in a helicopter crash have been briefed on the findings of a safety investigation report.
Captain Danniel Lyon, Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Warrant Officer Class 2 Joseph “Phillip” Laycock and Corporal Alexander Naggs died when a MRH-90 Taipan helicopter crashed into the water off Queensland’s Whitsunday Islands in July 2023.
The crew were flying in a night-time training exercise.
The Defence Flight Safety Bureau finished “one of the most complex” aviation safety investigation reports into the incident, making a number of recommendations.
Family members of the crew, army aviation personnel and crews involved in the mission were briefed on the findings on Thursday.
The report would not be publicly released until May, after “essential debriefings” with defence organisations and personnel.
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“Aviation safety investigations do not seek to apportion blame or liability on individuals or organisations,” Defence said in a statement.
According to Nine News, the report concluded that the crew became spatially disorientated and pitched nose-first into the ocean.
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Investigators also ruled out the controversial night vision visor system TopOwl as a contributing factor, despite damning evidence being heard in a separate public inquiry in Brisbane, before former judge Margaret McMurdo.
That inquiry had heard that test pilots found the latest software upgrade to the helmet-mounted devices to be an “unacceptable risk leading to multiple fatalities”, leaving Defence liable to “industrial manslaughter”.
Accident investigators will brief army aviation command units on the findings and recommendations of the Defence Flight Safety Bureau report, said Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Stephen Chappell.
“This is the most critical phase of the investigation from a defence aviation safety point of view. It allows the entire defence aviation community to understand and learn from this tragic accident,” he said.
“I am aware that the news of the report being finalised will be distressing for the families, many in the aviation community and wider defence.
“It is important that we support each other through this difficult process.
“Once again, my thoughts and everyone’s thoughts today are with the families, friends and colleagues of Danniel, Max, Phillip and Alex.”
AAP
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