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 CSM, and Corporal Alexander Naggs.

On 31 October 2023, the Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force (IGADF) appointed an Inquiry to rigorously examine the circumstances and causes of their deaths and determine whether any actions or omissions by ADF personnel or others, compliance or non-compliance with policies and procedures, or other matters contributed to them. 

The Inquiry was led by former Justice the Honourable Margaret McMurdo AC, supported by Air Vice-Marshal Geoff Harland AM CSC DSM, a senior Reserve Air Force officer with considerable aviation and air safety experience. The Inquiry was also assisted by barrister Colonel Jens Streit (Retd), who was a senior Army Reservist, as well as other IGADF staff.

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

Inquiry update

The Inquiry Report has been finalised. As required by section 27(4) of the Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force Regulation 2016, on 31 July 2026, the IGADF provided a copy of the Report to the Chief of the Defence Force. The important work that follows the Report’s finalisation, including informing the many people and organisations affected by its findings, is ongoing.

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

Support Services

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