Documents Relating To Cargo Sticker On Helicopter Tail Rotor On The RSV Nuyina.
DCCEEW
AI summary
An internal safety incident report documents a cargo label making contact with a helicopter tail rotor blade during landing operations at Davis Antarctic Station on 13 March 2026. The BK117 helicopter (VH-FPZ) was conducting external load aerial work when the foreign object debris (FOD) contact occurred. The incident was assessed as "High Risk" with initial and current likelihood rated as "Likely" and consequence as "Moderate," citing potential for permanent disability, asset damage of $100,000–$500,000, and environmental spill of 1,000–3,000 litres. The Quality and Safety team initiated a champion-level investigation involving multiple managers and the chief pilot, with the report remaining open for 23 days. No immediate or routine reporting to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau was triggered, as the operation did not meet Air Transport flight classification thresholds.
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LEX 83216
DOCUMENT 1
Event Notification: EN67 - Tail rotor FOD contact
# **Event Notification: EN67 - Tail rotor FOD contact**
# **Report Details**
**Reporter:** S 47F
**Reporter Role:**
**Report Date:** 16/03/2026 18:27:19
**Event Date:** 13/03/2026 15:00:00
**Report Status:** Champion Investigation
**Report Category:**
**Closed Date:**
**Days Open:** 23
**Event Type:**
**Sent To Authorities:** False
**Location:**
**Base:** Davis Antarctic
**Department:** Quality and Safety
**Description:**
Transport cargo label contact with Helicopter tail rotor blade.
# **Investigation Personnel**
**Chief Investigator**
Manager, Quality and Safety
**Investigation Personnel:**
Engineer, Chief
Manager, Business Development
Manager, Deputy Quality and
Safety
Manager, General
Manager, Quality and Safety
Pilot, Chief
**Signoff Personnel:**
Manager, Quality and Safety
# **Report Risk**
**Initial Likelihood:** Likely
Has happened in HeliRes in last 5 Years OR once per month in Industry
**Initial Consequence:** Moderate
**People:** Permanent Disability
**Assets $:** 100k – 500k
**Environment Spill (L) OR Effect:** 1,000 – 3,000L
Minor
**Reputation:** Local Effect
**Initial Risk:** High ()
Activity Task must be controlled, reduce to 'Medium' as a minimum send SHR to QSSM ASAP. General Manager approval required.
**Current Likelihood:** Likely
Has happened in HeliRes in last 5 Years OR once per month in Industry
**Current Consequence:** Moderate
**People:** Permanent Disability
**Assets $:** 100k – 500k
**Environment Spill (L) OR Effect:** 1,000 – 3,000L
Minor
**Reputation:** Local Effect
**Current Risk:** High ()
Activity Task must be controlled, reduce to 'Medium' as a minimum send SHR to QSSM ASAP. General Manager approval required.
Released by DCCEEW under FOI Act 1982
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LEX 83216
DOCUMENT 1
Event Notification: EN67 - Tail rotor FOD contact
## The Event Notification
Does the event relate to an aircraft flight?: Yes
Aircraft Registration: VH-FPZ
Route: Davis to Ship
Aircraft Type: BK117
Location of Event: Nuyina Davis Station
Data Hangar Flight ID:
POB: 1
Fuel on board (at time of event): 250 Kg
Type of Flight: Aerial work
Phase of flight: Landing
Type of operation: External load
Aircraft configuration: Standard, Floats
Relevant weather: Fair
For an Air Transport flight, does the event fall within an immediately reportable matter for the ATS: Not an Air Transport flight
For an Air Transport flight, does the event fall within a routinely reportable matter for the ATSB: Not an Air Transport flight
For other flights (non-Air Transport), does the event fall within an immediately reportable matter for the ATSB (to be reported as soon as possible): Does not fall within an immediately reportable matter for the ATSB
For other flights (non-Air Transport), does the event fall within a routinely reportable matter for the ATSB (to be reported within 72 hours): Does not fall within a
routinely reportable matter for the ATSB
Air Waybill number:
Were goods being carried under an exemption?:
What element of the DG process does the event relate to?
(more than one may apply):
Has the event occurred in the course of goods being carried, or consigned for carriage on an aircraft such that it must be reported to CASA (within 2 working days):
Does the event relate to an environmental issue?: No
Complete the following if known and as applicable
Type of environmental event:
The Event (this section must be competed for all events).
Description of the Event: On completion of operations and part of the aircraft post flight inspection and walk around, a decal was found adhered to the Tail rotor tip leading edge. A strike mark was also visible on the other blades leading edge. No unusual vibration or other abnormal flight characteristics were felt during the flight and landing.
## The Assessment
Name: S 47F
Date: 16/03/2026
Are there any immediate actions to be taken?:
What actions have been taken?: Reported to AAD DVL
What is the event Risk Consequence?: Moderate
What is the event Risk Likelihood?: Likely
What is the event classification on the Company Risk
Matrix?: High
What is the severity of the event for investigation purposes?: Severity 2
Who is assigned to be the investigation Team
Leader?: S 47F
Who are the investigation Team Members?: S 47F
S 47F
Are there any DAMP requirements arising out of the event?: No
DAMP notes:
Are there any mandatory reporting requirements arising out of this event?: No
List the mandatory reporting requirements:
Have all mandatory reporting requirements been met?: No
Has the event been reported to the client?: Yes
Have the details of the event been entered into
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LEX 83216
DOCUMENT 1
# Event Notification: EN67 - Tail rotor FOD contact
**BARSoft?:** No
**Reporting comments:** Reported to AAD DVLS 47F
S 47F and SAGSOS 47F
**Reporting References:** Verbal and visual with both parties. Also mentioned and in minutes of Post Davis RTA
debrief. (Refer attached)
**Does the event warrant an Event Alert being issued?:** No
**What is the reference for the Event Alert?:**
## The Investigation
**TASK - Were there any deficiencies with the way the task was conducted?:** No
**What were the deficiencies?:**
**EQUIPMENT -Were there any deficiencies with the equipment**
**that was used, if applicable :** Yes
**What were the deficiencies?:** Poor labelling of cargo that is being transported ship to shore by helicopter sling loads. Labelling not consistent. Labels cover Emergency information Panel instructions (Breach of DG standards)
**HUMAN FACTORS - Were there any contributing human factors (personnel involved or third parties)?:** Yes
**What were the contributing human**
**factors?:** Education on how and where is appropriate to place cargo labels when handling Helicopter spares or role equipment.
**ENVIRONMENT - Were there any contributing environmental factors?:** Yes
**What were the contributing environmental**
**factors?:** Cold weather makes decals adhering surface poor. Other method's utilised are potential FOD issues when being under slung. Also, labels are falling of loads during transport. They are falling into the sea around Davis station. The most likely contact with the decal was during landing operations off the helideck on the Nuyina. Loads that had been brought from station were placed into the hangar. As the hangar doors are left open during operations, there is a possibility circulating air could pick up FOD from the hangar environment.
**ORGANISATION - Were there any issues with the**
**organisation?:** Yes
**What were the contributing organisational**
**factors?:** The loss of decals during fly-off operations has been previously reported and was part of a former Event notification EN60 'Heavy load at Macquarie Island'. This led to a joint SERCO, AAD, Helires investigation into labelling and placarding. Labels placed on sensitive equipment or cover Emergency information panel DG instructions. It was also reported by the DVL that decals were witness falling off loads during the resupply earlier that day.
**Recommendation:** 1. Review labelling methods for Helicopter sling load operations. > Consider airport luggage style long decals that adhere to themselves when looped. 2. Clearly identify items and or areas where decals can be placed on Helicopter spares or role equipment.
**Investigator Team Leader:**
**Date investigation completed:** 22/03/2026
**Initial review of investigation report carried out by Quality and Safety Manager and accepted for circulation to the appropriate Departmental Manager for comment**
**Name:**
**Date:**
**Which department is effected by the issues raised in the Investigation?**
**Department affected:** Admin/Management
**Department Manager:** @helires.com.au
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LEX 83216
DOCUMENT 1
Event Notification: EN67 - Tail rotor FOD contact
## Findings and Actions
**EN67.F1 - Poor adhesion of decals used when transporting Cargo by Helicopter. Also some of the attach methods do not work in Cold weather (glue on decals) or are vulnerable to brittleness and poor retention. (Tyraps)**
| Action ID | Request Date | Due Date | Action Type | Requestor | Requestee | Category | Status | Risk | Closed Date |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| EN67.F1.A1 | 22/03/2026 15:42 | 5/04/2026 | Suggested Improvement | Manager, Quality and Safety | Manager, Quality and Safety | Safety Management | Awaiting Corrective Action | High | |
| **Root Cause:** Third party cargo handlers (Client AAD) unaware of potential consequence, or not briefed on cargo operations **Preventative Action:** Educate Third party providers on risks associated with FOD potential **Corrective Action:** Discuss with senior AAD staff **Action Required:** Discuss labelling procedures with Client (third party providers) | | | | | | | | | |
## General Actions - Actions not linked to any findings
| Action ID | Request Date | Due Date | Action Type | Requestor | Requestee | Category | Status | Risk | Closed Date |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| EN67.A1 | 22/03/2026 15:47 | 5/04/2026 | Suggested Improvement | Manager, Quality and Safety | Manager, Quality and Safety | Safety Management | Reviewing Corrective Action | Low | |
| **Root Cause:** Little control over third party providers **Preventative Action:** By in stake holders and discuss preventative measures **Corrective Action:** Improve cargo identification methods that are suitable for fly-off operations **Action Required:** Education and awareness training. Better adhesion techniques for decal's. | | | | | | | | | |
## Attachments List
FPZ Tailrotor blade FOD.jpg (55kB)
FPZ Tailrotor FOD 2.jpg (61kB) - Tail rotor FOD on leading edge
IBC EIP.jpg (112kB) - Emergency information Panel covered by cargo decals
Luggage style decal method.jpg (102kB) - Improved decal methods
Tail rotor strike.jpg (52kB)
V3 Davis Operations Review.docx (18kB) - Post RTA minutes and Mention of DECAL raised
## Attachments As Images
Released by DCCEEW under FOI Act 1982
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DOCUMENT 1
# Event Notification: EN67 - Tail rotor FOD contact
FPZ Tailrotor blade FOD.jpg (55kB)
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# Event Notification: EN67 - Tail rotor FOD contact
FPZ Tailrotor FOD 2.jpg (61kB) - Tail rotor FOD on leading edge
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LEX 83216
DOCUMENT 1
# Event Notification: EN67 - Tail rotor FOD contact
EN67.A319 - IBC EIP.jpg (112kB) - Emergency information Panel covered by cargo decals
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LEX 83216
DOCUMENT 1
# Event Notification: EN67 - Tail rotor FOD contact
EN67.A319 - Luggage style decal method.jpg (102kB) - Improved decal methods
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LEX 83216
DOCUMENT 1
# Event Notification: EN67 - Tail rotor FOD contact
Tail rotor strike.jpg (52kB)
V3 Davis Operations Review.docx (18kB) - Post RTA minutes and Mention of DECAL raised
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LEX 83216
DOCUMENT 2
s 22(1)(a)(ii)
From: s 47F
Sent:
To: s 47F
Cc: s 47F Base Manager Hobart
Subject: FW: SIRUS Action Progress Update ACTQ-0001738 [SEC=OFFICIAL]
Hi Gents,
Please see below for the latest update from supply chain operations team on how they plan to improve sticker adhesion after the recent tail rotor incident.
Please let us know if you have any thoughts or additional actions you think could be taken to address this risk.
**Action Progress Comments:** It is understood that the label which impacted the tail rotor was a square econ "bag tag" label. This is one part of the label which is able to be adhered to cargo.
SCO are reviewing the sling load preparation SOP to ensure that any bag tag labels which are exposed to the elements are adhered in the following manner
Timber crates: Stapled to the timber
Metal cage pallets: The long bag tag label wrapped around the cage and self adhered
Plastic items: The long bag tag label wrapped around the cage and self adhered where possible. Items which do not have a point to wrap around will need to be considered on a case by case basis
Further to the econ labels we also have container description labels and dangerous goods diamond labels. Work is underway to test different solutions to adhering these to top level containers in a way which they cannot come off. Different options being explored are document holders, Perspex covers and freezer grade labels.
Regards,
s 47F
From: s 47E(d)
Sent: Thursday, 28 May 2026 2:50 PM
To: s 47F @aad.gov.au>
Subject: SIRUS Action Progress Update ACTQ-0001738
Action Progress Update for Action ACTQ-0001738
The action detailed below has been updated with a progress update. Should you wish to discuss this, please contact s 47F @aad.gov.au
Action Title: Review labelling methods for aviation applications subject to wind blast
Action Number: ACTQ-0001738
Action Source: Incident/Event Management
Priority: Medium
Assigned To: s 47F APS6
Due Date: 01/02/2027
Date Raised: 09/04/2026
1
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LEX 83216
DOCUMENT 2
**Person Updating Progress:** s 47F
APS6
**Date of Progress:** 28/05/2026
**Percentage Complete:**
**Action Progress Comments:** It is understood that the label which impacted the tail rotor was a square econ 'bag tag' label. This is one part of the label which is able to be adhered to cargo.
SCO are reviewing the sling load preparation SOP to ensure that any bag tag labels which are exposed to the elements are adhered in the following manner
Timber crates: Stapled to the timber
Metal cage pallets: The long bag tag label wrapped around the cage and self adhered
Plastic items: The long bag tag label wrapped around the cage and self adhered where possible. Items which do not have a point to wrap around will need to be considered on a case by case basis
Further to the econ labels we also have container description labels and dangerous goods diamond labels. Work is underway to test different solutions to adhering these to top level containers in a way which they cannot come off. Different options being explored are document holders, Perspex covers and freezer grade labels.
Click here to view the Action
Released by DCCEEW under FOI Act 1982
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LEX 83216
DOCUMENT 3
s 22(1)(a)(ii)
**From:** s 47E(d)
**Sent:** Friday, 5 June 2026 11:35 AM
**To:** s 47F
**Cc:**
**Subject:** SIRUS Completion Category for Action ACTQ-0001828 has been updated to Complete
**Action Completion Updated** for Action ACTQ-0001828
The action detailed below has been updated to Complete. Should you wish to discuss this, please contact s 47F
s 47F at s 47F @aad.gov.au
**Action Title:** Update on Proposed Solution for E-Con Stickers
**Action Number:** ACTQ-0001828
**Action Source:** Incident/Event Management
**Assigned By:** s 47F EL2
**Assigned To:** s 47F EL2
**Due Date:** 29/05/2026
**Completed By:** s 47F EL2
**Completion Category:** Complete
**Comments:** Hi s 47F please see below update from s 47F:
My current avenues of approach are:
- For boxes that are inside a cage pallet which is unlined (has exposure to the elements) to only use the long econ bag tag for labelling to ensure maximum adherence. One of the smaller labels from a box is what has instigated this SIRUS
- For outside labels I'm very much leaning toward using these Rugged Xtremes A4 Document Pouch | Waterproof, however this is dependent on approval from Aviation noting their desire for minimal potential fodder.
- These pouches will be affixed to cage pallets either via rivets or metal cable ties. The choice will be dependent on installation time and the ability to remain attached
- I can't avoid the sustainment/first off/ DG labels, and these have similar issues with weathering, so having something to hold them in is ideal.
- We currently use a vinyl backing sticker to adhere our "information" labels to, which is good and works to a point, but doesn't eliminate the potential for flying off
- For timber crates we'll continue to use staples.
The airport bag tag style of adhesion is only applicable when we have a 'handle' for which to adhere to.
- For cardboard boxes this is not typically possible
- For plastic nally bin style boxes there typically isn't a handle available
- For cage pallets we can use the bag tag style label for the top level information, however this doesn't negate the sustainment/first off/temperature/DG labels which cannot be used as a bag tag style. As such we are approaching the problem by using a containment system which will negate any style of label/sticker used.
My time frame for implementation will be in time to begin V1. We are expecting to fly cage pallets under hook at Davis. This will likely be only an impact for Davis station, and any cage pallets which we send to Davis. The main impact will be for the Macquarie Island resupply where all cage pallets, and all other top levels, will need to have a resolution. I expect for implementation to take place over January/February depending on the timing of the season plan.
Click here to view the Action
Released by DCCEEW under FOI Act 1982
1
Incident : INCQ-0002424
DOCUMENT 4
SIRUS
Australian Government^{}[] Department of Climate Change, Energy^{}[] ^{}[] and Environment and Water
## Incident Report
# **Incident Number**
INCQ-0002424
# **Reported By**
s 47F EXP3
# **Reported Date**
02/04/2026
# **Reported Time**
09:07
# **Incident Date**
13/03/2026
# **Incident Time**
12:00
# **Location**
Australia\Tasmania\Nuyina
# **Exact Location**
Nuyina
# **Is this a sensitive Incident?**
No
# **Division Responsible**
Dept of Climate Change Energy Environment & Water\Water and Environment Operations\Australian Antarctic Division\AAD Operations and Logistics\AAD Maritime Logistics\AAD Maritime - Shipping Operations
# **Incident Title**
Cargo sticker found on helicopter tail rotor
# **Detailed Description**
Following helicopter operations at Davis Station during Voyage 3 2026 it was noted by Helicopter Resources pilot that an AAD E-con sticker had attached itself to one of the blades of the tail rotor, Voyage Management was subsequently notified. Picture attached to report.
# **Immediate Action Taken**
Nil
# **Responsible Supervisor**
s 47F EL2
# **Comments**
#####
# **Injured Parties**
-
*Please note that any incident reported that indicated inappropriate workplace behaviour, such as bullying and harassment, should be reported to the Professional and Ethical Standards team for review. Please email s 47E(d) @DCCEEW.gov.au or call the hotline on s 47E(d) to advise that you have raised inappropriate workplace behaviour incident in SIRUS. If you think an incident is notifiable, please ensure you preserve the site. A site should not be disturbed unless you need to make it safe or to support emergency response.*
## Incident Details
*Click here for help on how to apply Incident Consequences*
2026-06-05 16:58 AEST
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Incident : INCQ-0002424
DOCUMENT 4
SIRUS
Australian Government^{}[] Department of Climate Change, Energy^{}[] ^{}[] and Environment and Water
# **All Consequences of the Incident**
Near Miss or Dangerous Incident
*Click here for help on how to complete the Actual and Potential Severity*
# **Actual Severity**
Not Applicable
# **Potential Severity**
Major
# **People to Notify**
# **Last Name**
S 47F
# **First Name**
S 47F
# **Position Title**
APS6
EL1
EL1
EL1
EL1
EL2
EL1
EL1
EL2
# **Companies Involved**
-
# **Witnesses**
-
# **Witnesses, if not in list**
-
# **Duplicate Incident?**
No
# **Near Miss or Dangerous Incident**
# **Possible Consequences of the Incident**
Equipment Damage or Loss
# **Detailed Description**
Foreign Object Damage (FOD) could damage tail or main rotor or be ingested by engines leading to repairs, incident or accident.
# **Detail Submission**
# **Is an Investigation Required?**
Yes
# **Is this incident externally reportable?**
No
# **Investigation Due Date**
07/05/2026
# **Investigation Team Leader**
S 47F EL1
2026-06-05 16:58 AEST
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Incident : INCQ-0002424
DOCUMENT 4
SIRUS
Australian Government
Department of Climate Change, Energy
and Environment
# Investigation Comments
Incident occurred on 13.03.2026, during external load flights of Helicopter FPZ from Davis Station to the helideck on the Nuyina.
On completion of flight operations, onboard the Nuyina, Heli Res pilot was conducting the aircraft post flight inspection when they found a decal adhered to the leading edge tip of one of the tail rotor blades.
A strike mark was also visible on the other blades leading edge. No unusual vibration or other abnormal flight characteristics were felt by the pilot during the flight and landing.
# Investigation
# Investigation Start Date
08/04/2026
# Type of Cause Analysis Required?
Formal Root Cause Analysis
# Detailed Description of Investigation Findings
Incident occurred on 13.03.2026, during external load flights of Helicopter FPZ from Davis Station to the helideck on the Nuyina.
On completion of flight operations, onboard the Nuyina, Heli Res pilot was conducting the aircraft post flight inspection when they found a decal adhered to the leading edge tip of one of the tail rotor blades. The decal/sticker was part of an Econ label - the type used by the AAD to label consignments.
A strike mark was also visible on the other blades leading edge. No unusual vibration or other abnormal flight characteristics were felt by the pilot during the flight and landing.
# Identified Root Causes:
- Helicopter was in the vicinity of sling loads which included goods labelled with econ stickers
- rotor blast during landing/takeoff has dislodged sticker from goods, OR sticker has previously come loose from load (likely in heli hangar onboard Nuyina)
- sticker has struck tail rotor blade/s
- stickers do not have sufficient adhesion to withstand high winds and cold temperatures encountered during antarctic aviation operations
# Contributing Factors
- Cold weather - reduces decal adhesion.
- labels have previously been observed falling off loads during transport by helicopter and fixed wing, including in environmentally sensitive areas. Several reports have occurred from C-17 airdrop operations, where labels are seen coming off in large numbers when pallets exit the cargo bay. Labels have also been observed coming off sling loads underneath helicopters, including during the previously lodged incident "EN60 'Heavy load at Macquarie Island'", in which it was reported by the DVL that decals were witnessed falling off sling loads.
# Estimated cost of incident
0
# Sequence of Events
# Date
13/03/2026
# Time
15:00
# Event
Heli Res pilot was conducting the aircraft post flight inspection when they found a decal adhered to the leading edge tip of one of the tail rotor blades. The decal/sticker was part of an Econ label.
# Investigation Team
-
2026-06-05 16:58 AEST
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Incident : INCQ-0002424
DOCUMENT 4
SIRUS
Australian Government^{}[] Department of Climate Change, Energy^{}[] ^{}[] and Environment and Water
# **File Storage**
# **Formal Root Cause Analysis**
# ***Materials***
Were Materials a factor?
If yes, select reason(s) Materials were a factor
Further reasons Materials were a factor
# ***Machines/Equipment***
Were Machines/Equipment a factor?
If yes, select reason(s) Machines/Equipment were a factor
Further reasons Machines/Equipment were a factor
# ***Environment***
Was Environment a factor?
If yes, select reason(s) Environment was a factor
Further reasons Environment was a factor
# ***Human***
Were Humans a factor?
If yes, select reason(s) Humans were a factor
Further reasons Humans were a factor
# ***Methods***
2026-06-05 16:58 AEST
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DOCUMENT 4
SIRUS
Australian Government
Department of Climate Change, Energy,
the Environment and Water
Were Methods a factor?
If yes, select reason(s) Methods were a factor
Further reasons Methods were a factor
Management System
Were Management Systems a factor?
If yes, select reason(s) Management Systems were a factor
Further reasons Management Systems were a factor
Related Records
Related Risks
Investigation Submission
Is the Investigation Complete?
Yes
Click here for help on how to complete the Risk Assessment
Final Risk Assessment
12 - Medium
Investigation Completion Date
09/04/2026
Person nominated to complete Incident Sign Off
s 47F EL2
Actions
Actions
Action
Due Date
29/05/2026
Action Number
ACTQ-0001828
Assigned By
s 47F EL2
Date Raised
28/05/2026
2026-06-05 16:58 AEST
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Incident : INCQ-0002424
DOCUMENT 4
SIRUS
Australian Government
Department of Climate Change, Energy
and Environment and Water
**Assigned To**
s 47F EL2
**Have you spoken to this person?**
Yes
**Responsible Division**
Dept of Climate Change Energy Environment &
Water\Water and Environment
Operations\Australian Antarctic Division\AAD
Operations and Logistics\AAD Aviation
**Location**
Supply
*Click here for guidance on Action Priority*
**Action Source**
Incident/Event Management
**Priority**
Medium
**Action Title**
Update on Proposed Solution for E-Con Stickers
**Detailed Description**
Request an update be provided as Supporting Documentation in this SIRUS Incident Report (2424) that outlines the proposed improved E-Con Sticker adhesion solution, time frame for introduction and scope of roll-out. ie will all stickers moving forward be of this improved design. Request commentary on whether an airport baggage sticker solution was investigated (wraps back on itself and sticks to itself) since this type of design was recommended by both Helires and Aviation Section as a preferred design based on security, known performance in an aviation environment and large volumes worldwide across the aviation industry.
**Action Progress**
-
**Related References**
-
**Related Incident**
13/03/2026, INCQ-0002424, AAD Maritime - Shipping Operations, Cargo sticker found on helicopter tail rotor , Closed
**Supporting Documentation**
**File Storage**
-
**Action Completion**
**Completion Category**
Complete
**Completed By**
s 47F EL2
**Completion Date**
05/06/2026
2026-06-05 16:58 AEST
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Incident : INCQ-0002424
DOCUMENT 4
SIRUS
Australian Government
Department of Climate Change, Energy
and Environment and Water
# Comments
Hi s 47F please see below update from s 47F:
My current avenues of approach are:
- For boxes that are inside a cage pallet which is unlined (has exposure to the elements) to only use the long econ bag tag for labelling to ensure maximum adherence. One of the smaller labels from a box is what has instigated this SIRUS
- For outside labels I'm very much leaning toward using these Rugged Xtremes A4 Document Pouch | Waterproof, however this is dependent on approval from Aviation noting their desire for minimal potential fodder.
- These pouches will be affixed to cage pallets either via rivets or metal cable ties. The choice will be dependent on installation time and the ability to remain attached
- I can't avoid the sustainment/first off/ DG labels, and these have similar issues with weathering, so having something to hold them in is ideal.
- We currently use a vinyl backing sticker to adhere our "information" labels to, which is good and works to a point, but doesn't eliminate the potential for flying off
- For timber crates we'll continue to use staples.
The airport bag tag style of adhesion is only applicable when we have a 'handle' for which to adhere to.
- For cardboard boxes this is not typically possible
- For plastic nally bin style boxes there typically isn't a handle available
- For cage pallets we can use the bag tag style label for the top level information, however this doesn't negate the sustainment/first off/temperature/DG labels which cannot be used as a bag tag style. As such we are approaching the problem by using a containment system which will negate any style of label/sticker used.
My time frame for implementation will be in time to begin V1. We are expecting to fly cage pallets under hook at Davis. This will likely be only an impact for Davis station, and any cage pallets which we send to Davis.
The main impact will be for the Macquarie Island resupply where all cage pallets, and all other top levels, will need to have a resolution. I expect for implementation to take place over January/February depending on the timing of the season plan.
Released by DCCEEW under FOI Act 1982
2026-06-05 16:58 AEST
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Incident : INCQ-0002424
DOCUMENT 4
SIRUS
Australian Government
Department of Climate Change, Energy,
the Environment and Water
# Supporting Documentation
File Storage
Sticker on Tail Rotor.jpg
EN67 Helires - Tail rotor FOD
contact Prelim Invest.docx
# Sign Off
Sign Off Date
28/05/2026
Person Signing Off
S 47F EL2
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Incident : INCQ-0002424
DOCUMENT 4
SIRUS
Australian Government^{}[] Department of Climate Change, Energy^{}[] ^{}[] and Environment and Water
# **Sign Off Comments**
Actions are ongoing with the aim to trial different ECon sticker solutions in season 26/27 based on the following update.
Action Progress Comments: It is understood that the label which impacted the tail rotor was a square econ 'bag tag' label. This is one part of the label which is able to be adhered to cargo.
SCO are reviewing the sling load preparation SOP to ensure that any bag tag labels which are exposed to the elements are adhered in the following manner
Timber crates: Stapled to the timber
Metal cage pallets: The long bag tag label wrapped around the cage and self adhered
Plastic items: The long bag tag label wrapped around the cage and self adhered where possible. Items which do not have a point to wrap around will need to be considered on a case by case basis
Further to the econ labels we also have container description labels and dangerous goods diamond labels. Work is underway to test different solutions to adhering these to top level containers in a way which they cannot come off. Different options being explored are document holders, Perspex covers and freezer grade labels.
Based on these proposed continuous improvements to address the adhesion of stickers, I am sufficiently satisfied that this incident can be closed.
# **Close this Record?**
Yes
Released by DCCEEW under FOI Act 1982
2026-06-05 16:58 AEST
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