DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by Coordination and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6265 3343, Fax: 02 62656946
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
DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by Coordination and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6265 3343, Fax: 02 62656946
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:
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
Media contact: Defence Media Liaison: 02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664
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