Dangerous helicopter software rated unacceptable risk but cleared anyway
Dangerous software cleared for use led to a 2023 crash that killed four soldiers.
A parliamentary investigation looked into a fatal 2023 helicopter crash and found multiple failures across the system. The MRH-90 Taipan crashed near Lindeman Island during a training exercise.
Four soldiers died: Captain Danniel Lyon, Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Warrant Officer Joseph Laycock and Corporal Alexander Naggs. A software update to the helmet display system had been rated "unacceptable risk" by the Army Aviation Test and Evaluation Section.
The update mixed up tilt and angle information when pilots turned their heads. This gave false visual cues in darkness.
Army leadership approved the software anyway. They said it had met a German standard.
The crew were also very tired during the demanding night operation. The report found Defence did not meet its safety duties.
- Near Lindeman Island, 2023
- Crash location and year
- HMSD v5.10 helmet display update
- Rejected software version
Why it mattersThe findings show how safety warnings were ignored. They were overlooked in a system meant to protect military personnel on active operations.
AustraliaAustralian defence operations and helicopter safety procedures will be scrutinised following the findings by the Senate committee.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 6 d ago
