On 28 July 2023 an Australian Army MRH-90 Taipan helicopter, callsign Bushman 83, catastrophically crashed into the water near Lindeman Island while conducting night-time training during Exercise Talisman Sabre. This tragedy resulted in the deaths of Captain Danniel Lyon, Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Warrant Officer Class Two Joseph Laycock, and Corporal Alexander Naggs.

On 31 October 2023, the IGADF appointed an inquiry to rigorously examine the circumstances and causes of their deaths to determine whether actions or inactions by ADF personnel or others; compliance or non-compliance with policies and procedures; or other matters were contributing factors.

Leading the inquiry is former Justice the Honourable Margaret McMurdo AC, who will be supported by Air Vice-Marshal Geoff Harland AM CSC DSM, a senior Air Force officer with considerable aviation and air safety experience who has recently retired from full-time service. The Inquiry will be assisted by barrister, Colonel Jens Streit, who is a senior Army Reservist. Additional Assistant Inspectors General ADF have also been assigned to the Inquiry Team. 

Make a submission to the Inquiry

Submissions to the Inquiry will not be received after 4pm on 10 November 2025. 

The Inquiry expresses its gratitude and appreciation to the many people who provided written submissions to the Inquiry, all of which have been carefully considered and have assisted the Inquiry with its work.

Inquiry Hearings

The Inquiry Public Hearings have now concluded.

 

First Hearing

  • The first public hearing was held in Brisbane on 27 February 2024. A copy of the day one Transcript can be downloaded via this link.

Second Hearing

Third Hearing

Fourth Hearing

Fifth Hearing

Sixth Hearing

Seventh Hearing

Eighth Hearing

Ninth Hearing

Links

Contact the Inquiry

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