An Australian Army MRH-90 Taipan multi-role helicopter has ditched into the water in vicinity of Jervis Bay, NSW during a routine training exercise, causing Defence to ground the rest of the fleet as a precaution.
All 10 ADF personnel on board the aircraft have been recovered and accounted for and are being assessed by medical personnel at HMAS Creswell, south of Nowra, NSW.
“Tonight quick responses from ADF personnel and emergency services and well drilled teams prevented a potential tragedy,” Chief of Army Lieutenant General Simon Stuart said.
“We will conduct a thorough investigation into this incident to determine the cause and ensure the platform remains safe to operate.”
NSW Ambulance responded to the incident. Two ADF members were assessed to have sustained minor injuries.
The ADF personnel were conducting a routine counter-terrorism training activity in vicinity of Jervis Bay when the incident occurred. The incident site is being contained by Australian Federal Police and port services personnel.
Defence is acquiring 40 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters to replace the troubled fleet of NH Industries MRH 90 Taipans, which have been grounded a number of times in recent years: including on an occasion that arose due to issues with Army's computerised maintenance system (CAMM2), and another occasion arising from tail rotor vibrations.