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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]
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 >>
TAIC Report: Bridge Collapse Prompts Lessons For Network-Wide Infrastructure Risks
Thursday, 11 June 2026, 7:19 am | Transport Accident Investigation Commission
In a report published today by the Transport Accident Investigation Commission says KiwiRail's systems for bridge inspection, asset management and severe-weather response did not adequately translate known risks into operational controls. More >>
TAIC Investigating Passenger Train Derailment Near Wellington
Sunday, 7 June 2026, 6:00 am | Transport Accident Investigation Commission
The Commission's purpose is to improve transport safety by avoiding repeat accidents, rather than by ascribing blame. More >>
TAIC Report Freight Train Passes Stop Signal In Auckland Close Call
Friday, 5 June 2026, 9:44 am | Transport Accident Investigation Commission
No one was injured and there was no damage, but the Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) says the event shows how quickly things can go wrong when several safety barriers fail at once. More >>
New TAIC Inquiry - TranzAlpine Train Disabled In Tunnel
Saturday, 30 May 2026, 5:26 pm | Transport Accident Investigation Commission
The purpose of this and every other TAIC inquiry is to improve transport safety by avoiding repeat accidents, rather than by ascribing blame. More >>
TAIC Report: Ferry Grounding Reveals Risks When Safety-Critical Upgrades Overlook Operational Impacts
Friday, 29 May 2026, 10:06 am | Transport Accident Investigation Commission
Chief Investigator of Accidents Louise Cook says the key issue was the management of change around a safety-critical system. More >>
TAIC Investigating Cray Fishing Boat Capsize Near Kaikoura
Monday, 25 May 2026, 6:21 pm | Transport Accident Investigation Commission
The investigators will examine the boat, along with data about it and its history, performance, maintenance, and design. And the operating environment is always of interest, including weather and sea conditions. More >>
TAIC Report On Runaway Wagons Highlights Port Otago Safety Culture And Training
Thursday, 23 April 2026, 9:03 am | Transport Accident Investigation Commission
TAIC has recommended that KiwiRail address the poor safety culture at Port Otago, improve shunt staff training, and review the design of its remote-control packs. More >>
Amaltal Mariner Inquiry
Tuesday, 7 April 2026, 6:54 pm | Transport Accident Investigation Commission
The purpose of this and every other TAIC inquiry is to improve transport safety by avoiding repeat accidents, rather than by ascribing blame. More >>
Train Passes Two Stop Signals, Exposes Nationwide Rail Safety Issue
Thursday, 2 April 2026, 11:28 am | Transport Accident Investigation Commission
Louise Cook, TAIC’s chief investigator of accidents, says the Commission’s inquiry into the signal passed at danger (SPAD) incident revealed that this was not an isolated failure. More >>
TAIC Will Not Open Inquiry Into West Coast Fishing Vessel Grounding
Friday, 20 March 2026, 2:38 pm | Transport Accident Investigation Commission
TAIC prioritises inquiries where there is potential to identify new systemic safety issues. The reported circumstances of this occurrence are consistent with risks already well established in recent investigations. More >>
TAIC Report On A320 Loss Of Control On Ground At Christchurch, May 2024
Thursday, 19 March 2026, 9:44 am | Transport Accident Investigation Commission
Chief Investigator of Accidents Louise Cook says it’s likely the engines spooling up startled the pilot, who responded instinctively, pulling both thrust levers back to maximum reverse. More >>
TAIC Investigating Black Cat Grounding, Akaroa Harbour
Saturday, 31 January 2026, 5:50 pm | Transport Accident Investigation Commission
The Commission has appointed a dedicated investigation team, who will be travelling to Akaroa as soon as practicable. More >>
Pilot Vessel Grounding Shows Why Electronic Navigation Matters In Restricted Visibility
Thursday, 29 January 2026, 9:27 am | Transport Accident Investigation Commission
TAIC’s Chief Investigator of Accidents, Louise Cook, says the master’s situational awareness was reduced by patchy fog and how they were operating the vessel. More >>
