Families of four Army airmen killed in 2023 Taipan helicopter crash launch class action
Families of four army airmen killed in a 2023 MRH90 helicopter crash have launched a class action against the Commonwealth and Airbus, alleging safety failures.Summary
In July 2023, an MRH90 Taipan helicopter crashed during the Talisman Sabre training exercise, killing four Australian Defence Force airmen—Captain Danniel Lyon, Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Warrant Officer Joseph Phillip Laycock and Corporal Alexander Naggs—after the aircraft, call sign Bushman 83, suddenly dipped into the ocean. In response, the families of the deceased, led by Caitland Lyon, have filed a class action against the Commonwealth and Airbus, alleging that failures in aircraft safety, system configuration, mission planning, fatigue management, and risk controls contributed to the tragedy. The lawsuit, involving around ten family members, seeks to hold the government and manufacturer accountable for not ensuring reasonable care. An independent Inspector‑General of the Australian Defence Force inquiry has highlighted concerns over the TopOwl 5.10 software and the aircraft’s airworthiness, while a Senate probe is scheduled for September. Airbus has expressed condolences but declined to comment on the legal proceedings, and Defence is reviewing the claim without further comment.
(Source：ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation))