House debates Questions in Writing
Afghanistan: Tiger Helicopter (Question No. 417)
Stuart Robert Fadden, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Defence Science, Technology and Personnel
asked the Minister for Defence, in writing, on 2 June 2011:
(1) Can he indicate what caused a French Eurocopter Tiger helicopter to crash in Afghanistan's eastern district of Lateh Band, near Kabul on 5 February 2011.
(2) What:
(a) lessons were learnt from this crash, and
(b) subsequent changes in procedures and training has the Australian Defence Force adopted to prevent a similar occurrence happening to one of Australia's Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopters.
Stephen Smith Perth, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the House
The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:
The results of the French Tiger accident investigation are yet to be released to Australia. The French continue to operate the Tiger in Afghanistan.
(a—b) Any lessons learnt and changes to procedures will be considered in detail when accident investigation information is made available to Australia.