FED: Crash inquiry says it can't make individual findings

AAP General News (Australia)
08-11-2006
FED: Crash inquiry says it can't make individual findings

An inquiry into last year's Sea King crash in Indonesia will not be able to make findings
against individuals on the helicopter's condition .. with the father of one of the victims
labelling the investigation a fiasco.

The Australian Navy Sea King helicopter was approaching an earthquake-ravaged village
on the island of Nias when it nose-dived on April 2 last year .. killing nine Australian
defence force personnel.

According to today's Fairfax newspapers .. the board of inquiry into the tragedy will
not be able to make findings against individuals on the helicopter's condition .. including
decisions about seats and harnesses which could have saved the lives of some of the nine.

The Maritime Commander .. Rear Admiral DAVYD THOMAS .. has ruled the board can only
make findings about the Australian Defence Force .. or systemic issues .. not individuals.

DOUG GOODALL .. whose 25-year-old son Lieutenant MATTHEW GOODALL died in the crash
.. has labelled the investigation a fiasco.

The inquiry is being held at the Randwick Army Barracks in Sydney.

AAP RTV af/cmc/psm/

KEYWORD: SEAKING (SYDNEY)

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