A three-month recovery mission for a defence helicopter that crashed into the sea off Queensland's coast has concluded, but the families of the four crewmen on board will remain without answers for up to a year.
Key points:
- The ADF has concluded recovery efforts for a MRH90 Taipan helicopter that ditched into Whitsunday waters
- Aviation and coronial investigations remain ongoing
- The aviation safety investigation may take up to 12 months to complete
On July 28, a MRH90 Taipan helicopter involved in nocturnal training as part of Exercise Talisman Sabre ditched into waters near Lindeman Island in the Whitsundays with four crew members on board.
Captain Danniel Lyon, Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Warrant Officer Class Two Joseph Laycock and Corporal Alexander Naggs were killed in the crash.
Hundreds of Australian Defence Force (ADF) and emergency service personnel have been scouring waters around the Whitsunday Coast for more than three months.
In a statement released on Thursday, the ADF said "all practical wreckage and remnants" from the helicopter had been recovered and would inform ongoing aviation and coronial investigations.
"A major search and recovery effort involving hundreds of ADF personnel, international military and civilian agencies was conducted, with all practical wreckage and remnants from the MRH90 Taipan recovered to inform ongoing aviation and coronial investigations," it said.
During the course of the operation, HMAS Huon, ADF Vessel Reliant and Royal Australian Navy clearance divers recovered human remains and parts of the wreckage, as well as the voice and flight recorder.
ADF Chief of Joint Operations Lietenant General Greg Bilton previously said the debris field was consistent with a "catastrophic, high impact" crash.
Aviation safety probe could take 12 months
Commercial and recreational Whitsunday boat users were also involved in the initial stages of the search effort.
Parts of the cockpit were found 40 metres below the surface.
In August, the Queensland's coroner released the recovered wreckage to the ADF for their investigations.
It's expected the aviation safety investigation may take up one year to be finalised.
"Defence thanks all those involved for their tireless efforts, and appreciates the support of all Queensland authorities involved in the operation," the ADF statement read.
"Defence recognises this incident has been deeply upsetting for all involved — our highest priority is the safety and wellbeing of our people.
"Defence continues to support the families of the four soldiers who lost their lives, as well as the broader Defence community."
The Taipan fleet were retired early due to the crash and the transition to Black Hawkes has begun.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is no longer involved in the investigation.
A spokesman for the ATSB said the agency had provided the ADF with technical assistance to recover the flight data recorder.