The Royal New Zealand Air Force has cleared its fleet of NH90 medium utility helicopters of any problems after the fatal crash of an Australian Army MRH90 Taipan helicopter in The Whitsundays.

A 48-hour pause was initially implemented on all Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) NH90 medium utility helicopters including three deployed to Exercise Talisman Sabre, following the tragic loss of the ADF helicopter and four onboard aircrew.

MRH90 Taipan helicopters operated by the Australian Army remain grounded, while investigations continue into the crash.

RNZAF Chief Air Vice-Marshal Andrew Clark said the NZ pause on flying of the eight New Zealand NH90 helicopters operated by the Ohakea-based No. 3 Squadron had been a precautionary approach.

“The pause was so the Air Force could conduct a risk assessment. That assessment looked at airworthiness and safety, including systems and processes, as well as any new information from the Australian Defence Force, other users, and the manufacturer,” he said.

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