An inquiry into a fatal Australian Defence Force helicopter crash near the Whitsundays has ended, highlighting known issues with the Taipan fleet and prompting their early retirement.

Brisbane

An inquiry into a significant defence disaster in Australia has concluded after more than 18 months. The investigation focused on the MRH-190 Taipan helicopter crash that resulted in the deaths of Captain Daniel Lyon, Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Warrant Officer Class 2 Joseph Laycock, and Corporal Alexander Naggs. The incident occurred when the helicopter crashed into the waters near the Whitsundays in North Queensland.

Evidence presented during the inquiry revealed that issues with the Taipan helicopter fleet were known to Defence officials prior to the crash. The disaster led to the early retirement of the Taipan helicopters from the Australian Defence Force, 15 months ahead of schedule. The helicopters will not be used by the ADF again.

The inquiry was chaired by former Queensland Judge Margaret McMurdo, who expressed the emotional weight of the proceedings and the importance of learning from the tragedy. The final report containing the findings of the inquiry will be released at a later date. Family members and those affected have called for continued transparency and action to prevent similar tragedies in the future.



Taipan helicopters to be retired after fatal crash

After more than 18 months, today marked an emotional end to an inquiry into one of Australia's worst defence disasters in recent memory. We have sat together and listened to evidence that at times has almost been unbearable. I myself have lost faith in our Defence Department, the Army and the DFSB. Captain Daniel Lyon, Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Warrant Officer Class 2 Joseph Laycock and Corporal Alexander Naggs were on board an MRH-190 Taipan helicopter on the night of July 28, 2023 when it crashed into waters near the Whitsundays in North Queensland. I'm still haunted by the sound of our five-year-old's screams the day that I told him, Daddy wasn't coming home. The marathon inquiry into their deaths has been meticulous. We cannot change what happened, but we can and must change what happens next. Examining the service history of the Taipan helicopters, the inquiry revealing Defence bosses knew the fleet had issues long before the crash, the disaster prompting their retirement 15 months early, never to be used by the ADF again. The weight of the inquiry not lost on former Queensland Judge Margaret McMurdo, who wiped away tears. It has been a great honour of my life to chair this inquiry. My sincere hope is that our future report may salvage something positive from their ultimate sacrifice. The inquiry findings will be handed down in a report at a later date. There are so many questions still to be answered. Dan would have wanted the truth. He would have fought for it. For four families forever bonded by grief. Please do not let this tragedy be in vain. Matthew Karstunen for 10 News First.

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