Transport Accident Investigation Commission

TAIC investigates air, marine and rail accidents and incidents to prevent recurrence.

The Transport Accident Investigation Commission is a standing Commission of Inquiry, an independent Crown entity established by the TAIC Act 1990. It determines the circumstances and causes of selected aviation, marine, and rail accidents and incidents with a view to avoiding similar occurrences in the future.

TAIC may open an inquiry if it believes there may be significant implications for transport safety, or when it may be able to make recommendations to improve transport safety.

TAIC acts impartially and independently from Government, transport operators, and any investigations by other authorities into regulatory compliance, occupational health and safety, or criminal activity.

Transport Accident Investigation Commission - Latest News [Page 1]

TAIC Interim Report On TranzAlpine Train Disabled In Tunnel

Thursday, 12 November 2026, 8:37 am | Transport Accident Investigation Commission

TAIC Chief Investigator of Accidents Louise Cook says the Commission has so far established that an engine fault led to overheating in the electrical system. The train lost power, slowed and eventually stopped. More >>

Protected From Trains, Exposed To Live Wires

Thursday, 5 November 2026, 8:38 am | Transport Accident Investigation Commission

Chief Investigator of Accidents Louise Cook says the accident shows why worksite protection must account for every hazard, and everyone in a worksite should know all the risks. More >>

TAIC Opens Inquiry Into Fatal Plane Crash Near Nelson

Wednesday, 4 November 2026, 5:17 pm | Transport Accident Investigation Commission

Investigators’ first priority is evidence that could disappear or change, including the condition of the wreckage, electronic records and people’s recollections. More >>

TAIC Opens Inquiry Into Coal Train Derailment Near Otira

Wednesday, 4 November 2026, 2:03 pm | Transport Accident Investigation Commission

The reported circumstances were that KiwiRail-operated coal train 834 was heading towards Christchurch when at least one wagon derailed. More >>

Ship Boiler Blowback Highlights Risks When Familiar Work Becomes Unfamiliar

Friday, 30 October 2026, 8:38 am | Transport Accident Investigation Commission

TAIC today released its final report into the 24 May 2025 accident on the bulk carrier Olivia in which two crew suffered serious burns and a third suffered bruising while cleaning soot from inside the vessel’s boiler. More >>

Rail Protection And Safer Boating Lead TAIC Watchlist 2026

Monday, 19 October 2026, 8:46 am | Transport Accident Investigation Commission

KiwiRail’s mainline SPAD rate almost doubled between 2020 and 2025, reaching 3.2 per million kilometres in 2025 against a benchmark of 1.0. More >>

TAIC Issues Interim Report On Khandallah Train Accident

Thursday, 15 October 2026, 10:54 am | Transport Accident Investigation Commission

TAIC Chief Investigator of Accidents Louise Cook says the Commission has so far established that the train was diverted because the signalling system detected that the track ahead was occupied. More >>

Air NZ Q300 Below Safe Altitude On Approach To Timaru In 2023

Thursday, 1 October 2026, 9:56 am | Transport Accident Investigation Commission

The TAIC report shows that the crew had switched the aircraft's descent mode during a routine altimeter check process and did not remember to switch it back to the programmed rate of descent. More >>

Aircraft Fire Inquiry Highlights Evacuation Safety Lesson

Friday, 25 September 2026, 7:43 am | Transport Accident Investigation Commission

TAIC Chief Investigator of Accidents Louise Cook says the report highlights the importance of clear evacuation procedures, well-practised crew commands and effective passenger safety briefings. More >>

TAIC Investigating Fatal Incident Involving Heritage Train At Te Awamutu

Monday, 21 September 2026, 3:27 pm | Transport Accident Investigation Commission

Chief Investigator of Accidents Louise Cook says the Commission has appointed a team of investigators who are now gathering evidence. More >>

TAIC Saddened By Rangitīkei River Bar Deaths

Monday, 14 September 2026, 4:57 pm | Transport Accident Investigation Commission

TAIC Chief Investigator of Accidents Louise Cook says river and harbour bars are hazardous places for small boats. More >>

New Lifejacket Law An Important Step Forward Says TAIC

Thursday, 3 September 2026, 2:29 pm | Transport Accident Investigation Commission

TAIC Chief Investigator of Accidents Louise Cook says the change is an important step towards reducing preventable deaths on New Zealand waters. More >>

Safety Controls Must Be Practical, Understood, Followed And Checked

Thursday, 3 September 2026, 10:12 am | Transport Accident Investigation Commission

A series of seven Transport Accident Investigation Commission reports published over just 15 months shows how safety can be compromised when controls don’t work as intended. More >>

Routine Maintenance Became Toxic Gas Emergency Aboard Fishing Vessel

Thursday, 23 July 2026, 8:59 am | Transport Accident Investigation Commission

Acting Chief Investigator of Accidents Tahlia Fisher says the immediate cause of the accident was the accidental starting of an offal pump, but the investigation found four broader safety issues that affect industries well beyond the marine sector. More >>

Transport Accident Investigation Commission