Defence force failed to replace Taipan helicopter engine blades prior to Jervis Bay crash despite advice

An Australian Army (ADF) MRH-90 Taipan Battlefield Mobility helicopter seen on a flypast in 2022. A report said the failure of an HP1 blade – previously raised by the manufacturer as a risk – caused ‘the catastrophic, but contained, engine failure’ in a 2023 Jervis Bay incident. Photograph: Darren England/AAP

The Australian Defence Force failed to replace helicopter engine blades prior to a crash near Jervis Bay last year despite longstanding advice from the manufacturer to do so, an investigation has found.

A report tabled in the Senate reveals the findings of an investigation into the March 2023 incident in which the crew of an MRH-90 Taipan helicopter escaped with only minor injuries.