The Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force (IGADF), Mr James Gaynor, has appointed an independent inquiry into the deaths of four Australian Defence Force members following the MRH-90 Taipan helicopter incident that occurred during a training exercise in Queensland on 28 July 2023.
The MRH-90 Taipan helicopter and its crew were part of a night training activity during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023 when it catastrophically crashed into waters near Lindeman Island. Sadly, Captain Danniel Lyon, Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Warrant Officer Class Two Joseph Laycock and Corporal Alexander Naggs died in the tragic incident.
The Inquiry is being led by an Assistant IGADF, former Justice the Honourable Margaret McMurdo AC, who will be supported by two other assistant IGADFs:
- Air Vice-Marshal Joe Iervasi, AM, CSC, (retd), who has considerable aviation and air safety experience; and
- Colonel Jens Streit, who is a barrister and senior Army Reservist.
The Inspector-General Inquiry acts independently of the Australian Defence Force.
The Inspector-General has a responsibility to inquire into the cause of deaths of Australian Defence Force members. Finding out what happened, and making recommendations to avoid or limit the risk of such an event occurring again, are important outcomes of this Inquiry. The Inspector-General has invited family members of those who died to be involved in the inquiry process, ensuring their perspectives are considered.
The Inquiry will examine the circumstances and causes of the deaths to determine whether actions or inactions by Australian Defence Force personnel or other personnel – including compliance or non-compliance with policies and procedures -were contributing factors to the crash.
The Inquiry’s first public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday 27 February 2024 at the Brisbane Convention Centre.
Anyone wishing to provide relevant information or submissions related to the incident (including confidentially) should visit: https://www.igadf.gov.au/
