Security News > 2023 > April > Military helicopter crash blamed on failure to apply software patch
An Australian military helicopter crash was reportedly caused by failure to apply a software patch, with a heft side serving of pilot error.
The helicopter in question is an MRH-90 Taipan operated by the Australian Army and was engaged in what's been described as "a routine counter-terrorism training activity" on March 23rd when it ditched just off a beach in the State of New South Wales.
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation today reported the likely cause of the incident was failure to apply a software patch to the 'copter.
The patch in question prevents pilots of the MRH-90 Taipan from performing a "Hot start" of the helo's engine, a technique that sees the craft's motor powered down and then restarted.
The ABC, quoting unnamed Army personnel, reported that a patch preventing hot starts has been available for years but has not been applied to all of the Australian Army's Taipans.
The Taipan now wallowing in waters of lovely Jervis Bay presumably was among those that did not receive the patch.