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The black box from the Australian army helicopter that crashed off the coast of Queensland during military exercises last month has been found.
A navy dive squad was able to recover the flight recorder on Monday, the Department of Defence said.
Defence also said it has been given the recovered wreckage of the chopper by the Queensland Coroner to aid the investigation into the crash.
“The recovery remains a complicated and difficult operation,” the department said in a statement on Tuesday afternoon.
“On Monday, 7 August, a Royal Australian Navy dive team recovered the voice and flight data recorder (VFDR), also known as the ‘black box’, from the wreckage.
“Defence appreciates the support of the public in understanding the need to withhold some details of the ongoing recovery out of respect for the families and the impacted Defence community.”
The crash during the Talisman Sabre military exercises on July 28 killed the four aircrew onboard: Captain Danniel Lyon, Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Warrant Officer Class Two Joseph Laycock and Corporal Alexander Naggs.
Last week, the recovery mission found human remains among the wreckage of the cockpit.
The Defence Department said while the search of the crash area continues, it remains focused on supporting the victims’ families.
“Army is continuing to support the families of the aircrew – Captain Danniel Lyon, Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Warrant Officer Class Two Joseph Laycock and Corporal Alexander Naggs,” the department said.
“Defence’s priority remains the recovery of our soldiers and returning them to their families.
“Defence remains in close contact with the families and is updating them on the operation as new details become available.”
If you are a current or former ADF member, or a relative, and need counselling or support, you can contact the Defence All-Hours Support Line on 1800 628 036 or Open Arms on 1800 011 046.
