Schumacher, Nicholas

Contributing factors

• Failure of repair patch on inner tube due to substandard workmanship
• Age of inner tube (12 years 3 months old at time of accident)
• Fitting of old tube to new tyre contrary to industry recommendations
• Rust damage to rim and locking ring
• Sudden tyre deflation resulting in loss of vehicle control
• Vehicle rollover incident
• Inadequate vehicle maintenance oversight
• Lack of documentation or consultation by tyre fitter with cadet unit regarding tube fitting

Coroner's recommendations

1. Motor vehicles in use by naval cadet organisations or similar bodies be limited to vehicles under 12 years of age and be regularly serviced by qualified mechanics at least twice a year
2. Log books for vehicles used by such organisations be introduced and diligently kept up to date regarding usage, servicing, maintenance and repairs
3. Immediate checks be carried out by qualified tyre fitters/mechanics on all vehicles currently in use to ascertain the age and general condition of inner tubes, rims and locking rings
4. Older, damaged, or rusted items detected be properly repaired if possible or replaced immediately with new equipment, and any patched tubes be replaced with new tubes
5. Punctured tubes in vehicles of such organisations be replaced with new tubes, not repaired
6. When new tyres are purchased for vehicles of such organisations, only new tubes be inserted
7. In troop carriers and like vehicles of such organisations, all luggage and heavy items such as tool boxes or jacks be securely fastened or enclosed with individual ties or cargo nets to prevent them becoming missiles in incident
8. Risk management plans be altered accordingly
9. Queensland Government consider introduction of laws restricting or prohibiting fitment of old tubes to new tyres
10. Queensland Government consider making it a legal requirement that tyre fitters/retailers provide written warning to consumers if a tube shows signs of deterioration or malfunction
11. Queensland Government review findings and circumstances with view to implementing system of registration, licensing and control of tyre business or other measures to ensure tyre fitters possess minimum standard of training, knowledge and expertise