The independent inquiry, led by former judge Margaret McMurdo on behalf of the inspector-general of the Australian Defence Force, has reopened in Sydney to delve into the circumstances surrounding the 2023 Australian Army MRH-90 Taipan helicopter crash that resulted in the deaths of Captain Danniel Lyon, Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Corporal Alexander Naggs, and Warrant Officer Class Two Joseph Laycock. The families of the deceased have shared accounts of interactions with an army chaplain, Bruce Hammonds, who was responsible for providing pastoral care and conducting funeral services for the fallen airmen.
During the inquiry, allegations surfaced regarding the chaplain's conduct, with the father-in-law of Captain Lyon, Ronald Curnow, highlighting instances where he felt the chaplain had shown insensitivity towards the grieving families. One incident described involved the chaplain discouraging Captain Lyon's wife, Caitland, from holding the funeral on Father's Day, citing reasons that were perceived as inappropriate by the family. Despite these claims, Mr. Hammonds defended his actions, stating that his intentions were to provide closure for the family during a difficult time.
In addition to the details surrounding the interactions with the chaplain, the inquiry also discussed other issues faced by the families, such as misspelling the deceased Captain Lyon's name on documents and a quilt, as well as his name not being read aloud on the honour roll during a memorial service. The emotional toll on the families, especially on Captain Lyon's wife and their two young children, was highlighted throughout the inquiry, shedding light on the impact of the tragedy and subsequent events on those directly affected. The goal of the ongoing inquiry is to unravel the cause and circumstances surrounding the helicopter crash and provide clarity to the families and the public regarding the unfortunate incident.