On 28 July 2023, an Australian Army MRH-90 Taipan helicopter impacted waters near Lindeman Island, Queensland, during a night-time training activity as part of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023.
Tragically, Captain Danniel Lyon, Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Warrant Officer Class Two Joseph ‘Phillip’ Laycock, and Corporal Alexander Naggs from the 6th Aviation Regiment were killed in the accident.
Our thoughts remain with the families, friends and the colleagues of these soldiers who continue to carry the weight of the loss of their loved ones. Their loss continues to be felt across Defence and the broader community.
The Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force (IGADF) has finalised the Report into the MRH-90 Inquiry in waters near Lindeman Island on 28 July 2023 and provided this to the Chief of the Defence Force (CDF).
The IGADF has also briefed me on the report, its findings and the subsequent recommendations.
The CDF is carefully considering the report and will develop a comprehensive response to its recommendations.
To support this work, the CDF will establish an oversight body to review the recommendations across the multiple investigations and inquiries to ensure Defence takes a comprehensive and coordinated approach in its response. The CDF will provide me with regular updates on the body’s progress in the coming weeks.
The issues identified in the report are both historical and contemporary in nature. Actions arising from the report will be evidence-based, focused on lasting improvement, and responsive to the IGADF’s Inquiry findings. We must do all we can to avoid this tragic accident occurring again.
The 2023 MRH‑90 Taipan accident has been subject to five independent investigations and inquiries, including by the Defence Flight Safety Bureau (DFSB), Comcare, the IGADF, the Queensland Coroner, and an Inquiry by the Senate.
This week, the Senate Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs also tabled its report into the MRH-90 Taipan Helicopter accident.
The DFSB Aviation Safety Investigation was completed in March 2025 and Defence accepted all 46 recommendations arising from the investigation.
The Queensland Coroner and Comcare inquiries remain ongoing. Defence continues to support these processes and has not been formally notified that these investigations have been finalised.
This accident also remains subject to legal proceedings.
Together with the CDF, I am deeply committed to identifying lessons and implementing enduring improvements across the Defence aviation enterprise and, where applicable, across Defence more broadly to protect the safety of our personnel.
Support services remain available to Defence personnel, families and those affected by the accident: https://www.defence.gov.au/adf-members-families/crisis-support/helplines.
