I was TARDY downloading the current FLYBY PDF [FAAAA monthly newsletter]. Here is the news as outlined by 'megan' above:
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RAN Seahawk Ditches - FLYBY Vol 51; Nov 2021
One of the RAN’s Seahawk ‘Romeo’ helicopters has been lost after ditching in the Philippine Sea during a routine flight on 13 October. It was operating from HMAS Brisbane. Unconfirmed reports suggest the aircraft was on a night approach to the ship when an unexpected light source caused the pilots’ Night Vision Goggles to ‘bloom’, denying them all visual reference. The Seahawk struck the ocean some distance astern. The ship deployed its boats and the helicopter’s crew of three was rescued with what have been described as ‘minor injuries’ about 20 minutes after the event.
Following the incident the remaining Romeo fleet of 23 aircraft was grounded as a precaution, pending an investigation into the cause of the accident. They are now cleared. We will bring you more information as it becomes available."
https://www.faaaa.asn.au/wp-content/...1-Nov21-v3.pdf (4Mb)