12/06/2026
Today marks the 30th anniversary of the 1996 Black Hawk accident in Townsville, in which 18 ADF members tragically lost their lives.
During training for counter-terrorism operations on the night of June 12, 1996, two Australian Army Black Hawk helicopters collided in the Townsville Field Training Area.
As a result of the accident, there were 18 fatalities; 15 from the Special Air Service Regiment and three from the 5th Aviation Regiment. It was Australia's worst peacetime military aviation disaster, and it sent shockwaves of sadness across the nation.
This tragedy highlights the constant risks associated with serving in the nation’s armed services and the commitment and bravery of those who serve.
We Will Remember Them
Corporal M. Baker
Captain J. Berrigan
Captain K. Hales
Signalman H. Peeters
Trooper T.J. McDonald
Lance Corporal D. Frost
Trooper J.G.S. Church
Lance Corporal G.D. Hagan
Lance Corporal D.A. Johnstone
Lance Corporal G.A. Callow
Corporal B.A. Tombs
Corporal D.J. Smith
Corporal D.R. Oldham
Corporal A. Constantinidis
Corporal M.J. Bird
Corporal M. Avedissian
Sergeant H.W. Ellis
Captain T.J. Stevens
Lest We Forget
📸 Ian Coate
