Inquiry to examine army Taipan helicopter crash tragedy
An army helicopter crash that killed four people will be the subject of an independent inquiry.
The first public hearing will be held in Brisbane on Tuesday after the MRH-90 Taipan helicopter was involved in a fatal night training exercise off north Queensland on July 28, 2023.
Captain Danniel Lyon, Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Warrant Officer Class Tow Joseph Laycock and Corporal Alexander Naggs were killed when the helicopter crashed near Lindeman Island.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.They were taking part in military drills during the multinational Exercise Talisman Sabre.
The inquiry is expected to examine the circumstances and causes of the deaths and whether action or inaction by defence force or other personnel contributed to the crash.
It will be led by former judge Margaret McMurdo, who will be supported by Air Vice-Marshal Joe Iervasi and Colonel Jens Streit.
Families of the victims have been invited to be involved in the inquiry.
Australia’s MHR-90 Taipan helicopter fleet was pulled from service soon after the crash, more than a year before its intended withdrawal date.
The helicopters had initially been scheduled to be withdrawn from service in December 2024.
