An internal inquiry into the tragic MRH-90 army helicopter crash in July 2023 has identified ‘spatial disorientation’ as the primary cause of the incident. The Defence Flight Safety Bureau (DFSB) released its report, confirming that the helicopter was functioning normally at the time of the accident, with no signs of mechanical failure or prior damage.
The investigation revealed that the pilots likely faced a “loss of spatial orientation” during a training exercise, resulting in an “inadvertent and unrecognised climb” before the helicopter ultimately plunged into the ocean off Lindeman Island, Queensland. Tragically, Captain Danniel Lyon, Lieutenant Max Nugent, Warrant Officer Class Two Joseph ‘Phillip’ Laycock, and Corporal Alexander Naggs lost their lives in the crash.
While the investigation examined the ‘TopOwl’ helmet display system used by the pilots, it concluded that this equipment was unlikely to have played a role in the disorientation, although challenging weather conditions, including rain showers, may have contributed to the incident.
In addition to the DFSB report, an independent inquiry commissioned by the Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) is underway, with findings expected to be released later this year.