In a tragic accident that has left families devastated and seeking answers, four Australian soldiers lost their lives when their helicopter, call sign Bushman 83, crashed under circumstances that experts had long warned were perilous. The crash, which occurred during a low-altitude flight in poor weather, has sparked a wave of demands for accountability from the families of the deceased and aviation experts alike.
The helicopter’s pilots, Lyon and Nugent, were wearing TopOwl helmets—equipment that, according to experienced test pilot Wilson, posed an “unacceptable risk to flight safety.” Wilson’s warnings, first issued in 2020, highlighted the dangers of using these helmets in conditions like those on the night of the crash, which included “controlled flight into terrain.”
Warnings Ignored
Wilson, one of Australia’s most experienced test pilots with over 8,500 flying hours, had previously assessed an updated software version of the TopOwl helmet, known as 5.10, in 2019. He found it not airworthy due to a critical fault that displayed pitch as bank when the pilot looked sideways. Additionally, the helmet’s night vision capabilities were significantly inferior, offering 50% less visibility compared to other systems.
Despite the Army Aviation Test and Evaluation Section’s official report advising against the upgrade, the Defence Department proceeded with the rollout, citing millions already invested. Wilson criticized the subsequent retesting, which was conducted under less hazardous conditions, as “outright deception.”
Families Speak Out
The families of the fallen soldiers have been vocal in their criticism of the Defence Department, accusing it of prioritizing bureaucratic processes over safety. Caitland Lyon, widow of pilot Danniel Lyon, expressed her anguish, stating, “They took them from us because they were so busy climbing promotions and checking their own boxes that they forgot that there’s real people.”
Concerns about the TopOwl helmet were not new. Both Lyon and Nugent had previously voiced their apprehensions about its night vision capabilities, preferring traditional systems like the ANVIS-9. Despite these warnings, the Defence Department cleared the TopOwl for use, advising pilots to rely on key symbols only when looking straight ahead—a workaround that families find unacceptable.
Systemic Issues Within Defence
The crash has exposed what families and experts describe as a “toxic” culture within the Defence Department, where accountability is lacking. Sarah Loft, fiancée of one of the deceased, criticized the finger-pointing among high-level officials during the inquiry, stating, “I can’t accept negligence. Because what we saw through those hearings was high-level people pointing the finger at each other and no one taking responsibility.”
Comcare, the Commonwealth’s work safety organization, recommended criminal prosecution against the Defence Department for the TopOwl rollout and inadequate fatigue management. However, the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions decided against taking action, a decision that has further angered the families.
Looking Ahead
As the inquiry continues, the families’ hopes for justice now rest with its findings, expected to be released in the new year. They remain optimistic that the inquiry, led by former judge Margaret McMurdo, will hold the Defence Department accountable.
In the absence of an official memorial, North Bondi RSL has honored the soldiers by displaying their photos and providing support to their families. As the families await the inquiry’s outcome, they continue to seek answers and accountability for the tragic loss of their loved ones.
Sarah Loft poignantly summarized the families’ sentiment, stating, “Somebody should be able to look us in the eye and tell us why our men are on this wall and not with us. We have not received that, and it’s not fair. It’s not right. Those men deserved better.”
