Ray Hadley testifies at inquiry into Queensland helicopter crash

An inquiry into a helicopter crash off the coast of Queensland is heating up. The crash, which happened on July 28, 2023, killed four defence members: Captain Danniel Lyon, Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Warrant Officer Class 2 Joseph Laycock, and Corporal Alexander Naggs. The military helicopter, known as a Taipan, went down during a night training exercise near Lindeman Island. Ray Hadley, a former radio presenter and friend of the Nugent family, provided testimony at the inquiry. He recalled a discussion he had with Lieutenant Nugent about the Army's TopOwl helmet-mounted display system. Hadley said that Nugent preferred night-vision goggles over the newer technology because he found it difficult to see at night. This system has been a focal point in the inquiry. During the hearing, Colonel Nigel Gabbedy questioned Hadley about his conversations regarding the TopOwl technology. Hadley mentioned that Major Ian Wilson, a retired test pilot, told him he felt intimidated by senior army members after Hadley discussed the technology on his radio show. The exchange became intense when Gabbedy asked Hadley if he sought clarification from anyone else regarding the safety equipment. Hadley responded that he had not. Major General David Hafner testified that the Taipan helicopters had been labeled as posing a "medium risk to personnel safety" before the crash. He revealed that this designation meant that crew members were at an increased risk. Hafner also described a previous close call in 2020 when two Taipan helicopters came very close to a collision during night flights. Despite recommendations from safety investigations, some safety measures had not been implemented before the crash. A long-awaited report from the Defence Flight Safety Bureau regarding the crash is expected to be released on March 31. Families of the deceased service members will receive a briefing about the findings on April 3.