Army helicopter crash in Queensland: MRH-90 Taipan’s black box is pulled from the sea after chopper plunged into the sea in the Whitsundays
- A military helicopter went missing last month
- The black box from the helicopter was recovered
- The four crew members are still missing
The black box belonging to a downed army helicopter has been recovered weeks after the military chopper crashed off Queensland‘s coast, killing four people.
The MRH-90 Taipan went down off Hamilton Island while taking part in a joint Australia-US military exercise on July 28.
It’s black box has been recovered and released to the Defence Force to assist in its investigation into the crash.
Captain Daniel Lyon, Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Warrant Officer Class Two Joseph Laycock and Corporal Alexander Naggs were killed in the incident.
They were all from the 6th Aviation Richmond Unit based at the Holsworthy Army barracks in Sydney.
The search for their bodies continues however, a remotely-operated vehicle discovered unidentified human remains 40m underwater among cockpit debris at the crash site last Thursday.
Australian Defence Force Chief of Joint Operations Lieutenant General Greg Bilton warned it was unlikely final identification would be possible until more of the wreckage was located.
Troop Commander Captain Dan Lyon (pictured) was one of the members of the MRH-90 Taipan crew
‘The debris field is consistent with a catastrophic, high impact,’ he said.
‘Sadly I can confirm unidentified human remains have also been observed in this location by the remote-operated underwater vehicle.
‘Due to the nature of the debris field positive identification of the remains is unlikely to occur until we recover more of the wreckage.’
The army is providing ongoing support to the victims’ families.
Lt. Bilton added the tragedy has had a ‘significant impact’ on their unit.
‘I’m confident their commanders are working hard to work through the challenges that they confront in losing their mates,’ he said.
‘We’re just making sure that we provide the sort of psychological support and the support for their wellbeing that’s necessary.’
Corporal Alex Naggs, Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent and Warrant Officer Joseph Laycock (pictured left to right)
On July 28, the MRH-90 Taipan helicopter crashed into the ocean at about 10.30pm during a two-helicopter operation.
Witnesses reported a ‘big flash, a big bang and a bit of fire on top of the chopper’ before the aircraft hit the water.
It was part of Exercise Talisman Sabre, a large-scale training operation involving several allies including the United States.
The entire Taipan fleet was grounded as investigations continue into the crash.
The troubled aircraft has gained a reputation for being ‘unreliable’ in recent years due to a series of incidents – including a crash into waters off the NSW south coast in March.
More to come.
