A25-221 Blackhawk Down Video, Just released crash video

[Dean]

The Board of Inquiry set up to investigate the loss of this aircraft has just released video footage of the crash and it is very chilling.

The footage seen shows the aircraft approaching the Kanimbla along the port side (this footage is actually from inside the Blackhawk itself). The footage then switches to a ship borne video from the bridge (or there abouts) before switching again to the rear landing deck.

The Blackhawk, approaching from the right, is seen to enter the screen very quickly and quite literally slams (an understatement) into the deck. The impact is so hard the tail section is ripped off as the helicopter then continues to fall over the starboard side of the ship.

It is believed a tail wind also affected the aircraft's descent.

[GregHyde]

Dean,

The film was shown on all the news services last night.

The family tried to surpress the video release.

The openning statements look like pilot error due to flying conditions.

Greg

[Dean]

Whenever you hear about these accidents you are always shocked but to actually see the crash footage makes it probably more tragic because you know that people going about their normal routine died as a result. Even more so when you view this footage as you can see the men inside the aircraft.

The footage is incredible but at the same time very tragic.

[Luig]

Yes agree about the shocking nature of the crash. Let us hope that good things come of it; especially flotation gear for Blackhawks when they are operating from ships at least.

The video reminds me that every Navy landing is a 'public' event. Do a bad naval landing and everyone gets to hear about it - if not see it on film.
Phil.

[Brendan Cowan]

The enquiry results (376 pages) are about to become public.....



Department of Defence Media Mail List
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CPA 219/08 Monday, 14 July 2008

WHAT: The report of Board of Inquiry into the crash of Black Hawk 221
(on 29 November 2006) will be released to the media on Tuesday, 15 July 2008.

WHO: Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston AC AFC, and Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie AO DSC CSM, will release the report at a media conference.

WHERE: R1 theatrette, Russell Offices, Canberra.

WHEN: 0830 for access to embargoed copy of the report. The media conference will begin at 0900, Tuesday, 15 July 2008.

MEDIA NOTE:
Media will be able to access an embargoed copy of the Executive Summary of the report and the media release from 0830 in the R1 theatrette. Please note, due to its size (376 pages) the embargoed report will be available on CD ROM only – media will need to bring their own laptops.

Media planning to attend from 0830 are encouraged to register their interest with Defence Media Liaison by 6pm today (Monday, 14 July).

A copy of the report will be available at: http://www.defence.gov.au/coi/inquiry_reports.htm

Media contact:
Defence Media Liaison: 02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664

Issued by Coordination and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6265 3343, Fax: 02 6265 6946

Media Releases are available via e-mail if you register at www.defence.gov.au/media

[Brendan Cowan]

And here is the official finding:

As expected, Pilot error as the primary cause with culture, management, operational tempo and process contributing.




Department of Defence Media Mail List
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CPA 223/08 Tuesday, 15 July 2008

REPORT OF THE BOARD OF INQUIRY INTO THE CRASH OF BLACK HAWK 221 RELEASED

Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston today released the report of the Board of Inquiry into the crash of Black Hawk 221.

On 29 November 2006, an Australian Army Black Hawk helicopter (Number 221) from 171 Aviation Squadron, crashed while operating with HMAS Kanimbla in international waters southwest of Suva, Fiji.

Elements of the Australian Defence Force were on standby to possibly evacuate Australians from Fiji in the lead up to the military coup.

The Black Hawk was carrying four crew and six soldiers from the Special Air Service Regiment when it crashed and sank. Nine of the 10 service personnel were rescued from the water. Of those nine personnel, Captain Mark Bingley, the pilot, later died from his injuries. Trooper Joshua Porter, a passenger, was unaccounted for and presumed dead. His body was recovered from the seabed on 5 March 2007.

Following the crash, the Chief of the Defence Force commissioned an inquiry to determine the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident and to make recommendations to reduce the risk of further incidents of this nature occurring again.

The Board was presided over by a civilian President, retired NSW Supreme Court Justice, Hon. David Levine RFD QC. The Board also comprised two Australian Defence Force members: Group Captain Stephen Fielder AM and Commander Andrew Rourke RAN.

“The principal and overarching finding of the Board of Inquiry was that the cause of the crash of Black Hawk 221 was pilot error by the aircraft captain,” Air Chief Marshal Houston said.

“Justice Levine stated that the principal finding, however, could not be viewed in isolation nor blame attributed to a highly experienced and well-respected Black Hawk pilot.

“This accident was the regrettable result of a number of factors coming together which culminated in this tragic incident. There was a gradual adoption of approach profiles which, on occasions, exceeded the limits of the aircraft. Other factors included a ‘can do’ culture in the Squadron, inadequate supervision, the pressures of preparing for operations, the relocation of the Squadron and a high operational tempo.

“I have agreed to 56 of the 58 recommendations made by the Board. These recommendations are all aimed at making Special Operations flying safer.”

These recommendations include regular external auditing of the Squadron to validate flying tactics, techniques and procedures against doctrine and approved flying standards and redesigning the Special Operations approach.

In addition to the recommendations of the Board of Inquiry, Army has already put into place a number of initiatives to improve safety in the Squadron.

Army issued its new risk-management policy in October 2007. It provides commanders with clear instructions on how to conduct risk management on operations and in training. The Special Operations Approach has been reviewed and a new procedure has been developed that provides pilots with clear instructions on conducting the approach while maintaining appropriate safety margins. Command and supervision of the Squadron has been strengthened with the establishment of a new Headquarters known as 6 Aviation Regiment.

“Today our thoughts are with the families of Captain Bingley and Trooper Porter – their loved ones served our nation proudly and we will remember them. They have asked that their privacy be respected during this difficult time,” Air Chief Marshal Houston said.

“I hope this BOI report answers some of the questions they have about this tragic accident and the circumstances surrounding the loss of their loved ones.”


Media Note: A redacted version of the report will be made available at: http://www.defence.gov.au/coi/inquiry_reports.htm

The redacted report has had operationally and personally sensitive information redacted to ensure that the release does not jeopardise the safety or privacy of Australian Defence Force personnel.

Information and transcripts from the Board of Inquiry into the crash of Black Hawk 221 can be found at: http://www.defence.gov.au/boi/blackhawk221


Media contact: Defence Media Liaison: 02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664


DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE



Issued by Coordination and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6265 3343, Fax: 02 62656946

Media Releases are available via e-mail if you register at www.defence.gov.au/media

[Brendan Cowan]

The public version of the report is available at:

http://www.defence.gov.au/coi/reports/bh221_boi_report.pdf


BC