Troops from the US, Australia, France and New Zealand have been conducting operations as part of Exercise Talisman Sabre. Photo: Australian Defence Force, ABIS Rikki-Lea Phillips
An air safety investigation team has arrived in Queensland to examine the crash of an Australian Army helicopter during Exercise Talisman Sabre on Friday.
The MRH90 Taipan ditched into the ocean south of Hamilton Island in Queensland's Whitsundays during a nocturnal training mission.
Four crew were on board at the time.
Some debris from the chopper has been recovered but the main cabin of the helicopter has not yet been located.
Minister for Defence Personnel Matt Keogh said today the main focus for the ongoing search operation remains finding the four men.
"The investigation has started but we have not progressed to what the cause of this accident is at this stage… our key [focus] is finding our people."
When asked on ABC News Breakfast whether the MRH90 helicopters, which have been historically plagued by difficulties, should be permanently grounded, he said that would form part of the investigation.
RNZAF NH90s are providing support to the ground forces as part of the Talisman Sabre exercise in Queensland, Australia, on July, 2023. Photo: Supplied / Defence Force
"The fleet is grounded temporarily at this stage, whilst the search is underway, Keogh said.
"After the incident earlier this year (in Jervis Bay, NSW) there were mitigations put in place and the operation of the MRH90 to improve safety in those operations.
"In terms of what happens longer term with the MRH90 before they're retired at the end of next year, obviously further work needs to be undertaken in terms of investigation.
"But our focus right now is on the search operation, and supporting their families."
Premier thanks search crews
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk thanked the state's emergency personnel involved in the search.
"I want to thank all of the personnel that are involved in the search and recovery. An absolute tragedy during those military exercises," she said.
Police Minister Mark Ryan said officers were also supporting the defence naval divers.
"The Queensland Police Service as well as our volunteer marine rescue services have been very engaged with this terrible tragedy and of course are assisting defence," he said.
"The latest that I've got is that defence naval divers are engaged today and are obviously being supported by Queensland Police Service divers as well."
- This story was originally published by ABC.
