Occurrences

Date	Occurrence #	Location	State	Aircraft	Model	Engine	Model	Summary
7/9/2016	OCC0760	Yarram	VIC	Jabiru	J170	Jabiru	2200	The ATSB investigated a fatal aircraft accident involving a Jabiru J170, registration 24-5215, at Ya...
The ATSB investigated a fatal aircraft accident involving a Jabiru J170, registration 24-5215, at Yarram Airfield, Victoria at 15.44 EST Wednesday 7 September. It was reported that the aircraft collided with terrain while the pilot was conducting circuits. The pilot was the only person on board the aircraft. The ATSB deployed three investigators to the site. The ATSB found that the aircraft was likely subject to mechanical turbulence at the threshold of runway 09 at Yarram aerodrome. Trees and hangars on the north-eastern perimeter of the aerodrome were known locally to cause turbulence in the last 50 ft of the approach when the wind gusted out of the east-northeast. This information was not published in the Airservices Australia En Route Supplement Australia entry for Yarram aerodrome. The pilot was also likely affected by physical and mental fatigue given their age, medical history and recent physical labour. Fatigue’s effect on attention, reaction time, and vigilance likely exacerbated the pilot’s mishandling of the landing attempt and the subsequent go-around. The completed report pertaining to this accident is available on the ATSB website at https://www.atsb.gov.au/publications/investigation_reports/2016/aair/ao-2016-112/
27/8/2016	OCC0739	Wollongong Regional Airport	NSW	Jabiru	J160C	Jabiru	22B	Aircraft was lined up for take-off on RWY26. As the pilot commenced the take-off run, the aircraft s...
Aircraft was lined up for take-off on RWY26. As the pilot commenced the take-off run, the aircraft started to veer to the left and the pilot over-corrected. The aircraft ran off the left side of the tar runway onto the grass, hit water pooled in the grass, then bounced up off a drainage channel. The aircraft then ran along a barbed-wire fence (on left of aircraft) until the aircraft went through the fence (where it made a right-angle bend). It then continued along the fence (now on right side of aircraft) until a fencepost tore the right wing-strut off the wing. The aircraft then dug the left wingtip into soft earth of the paddock, causing it to nose over and come to rest, inverted, on the barbed-wire fence, facing back in the opposite direction to the one it had been travelling. OUTCOME: The pilot lost control of the aircraft in the take off phase resulting in a runway excursion and collision with boundary fence. Contributing factors were incorrect take off technique, uneven runway surface and focus on defined external reference points during the take off roll. The pilot has been requested to undertake a full review with a RAAus Senior Flight Instructor prior to further command flight.
20/8/2016	OCC0743	Adelaide Soaring Club, Gawler	SA	Jabiru	J170C	Jabiru	2200B	The pilot (instructor) and student were taxiing out towards RWY23 whilst listening out on the radio ...
The pilot (instructor) and student were taxiing out towards RWY23 whilst listening out on the radio of where all circuit traffic was. There was a light 5-10 knot head wind towards RWY23 use. At the hold point, prior to crossing over the active runway, the pilot and student conducted a good visual lookout to ensure that no aircraft was on final (and that no one was having an emergency and doing a tail wind landing) and that no aircraft was about to take off. The pilot and student heard no radio call of any aircraft on final, no rolling call from the aircraft on the threshold and no threshold traffic was moving. The pilot made a radio call to taxi across the runway, as is procedure, and taxied across the runway. Almost across the runway, the pilot and student received a call from a tug and glider combo that they were rolling right behind their aircraft. Neither the pilot or student had heard any radio call and when they started crossing RWY23, the tug and glider were stationary. The pilot had sufficient separation and taxied out of the way and the two aircraft were airborne and behind and above them when the pilot was alerted that they had taken off. The pilot exchanged radio calls to the effect of maintaining sufficient separation. On returning to the ground after the flight, the pilot and student discovered from numerous sources that their taxiing crossing radio call came through however the rolling call did not and both aircraft had transmitted at the same time. Radio communication and situational awareness/good lookout prevented any incident. OUTCOME: The pilot of the Jabiru conducted usual lookout and radio call procedures, as did the glider/tug combination. Due to failed radio reception, the call from the glider/tug was not received, and the glider/tug combination did not observe the Jabiru crossing the runway. Pilots are reminded of the importance of alerted "see and avoid" and ensuring runways are clear in both directions, both on the ground and for approaches. OPERATIONAL GUIDANCE AT ADELAIDE SOARING CLUB: As aerodrome operator they have revised their operational guidance as follows: • Taxying aircraft intending to enter a runway must stop at the hold point and ensure that it is “all clear” before proceeding. • No glider tug shall be left parked on the “take-off pad”. • Pilots are to assume that if a tug is on the “take-off pad” that a glider launch is imminent. • When a tug is on the “take-off pad” any aircraft intending to enter the same RWY must make radio contact with the tug pilot to establish the status of the tug operation. The tug pilot will advise the aircraft intending to enter the runway if it is safe to do so.
17/8/2016	OCC0807	Moorabbin Airport	VIC	Jabiru	J-160C	Jabiru	2200	The pilot was issued instructions to join the circuit and follow a C172. The pilot turned and mistak...
The pilot was issued instructions to join the circuit and follow a C172. The pilot turned and mistakenly followed the wrong aircraft. When the error was detected the pilot was instructed to go around and rejoin the circuit on mid downwind. OUTCOME: While in a high traffic environment at Moorabbin, the pilot mistakenly followed the wrong aircraft. Once advised by the tower he conducted a go-around to avoid a possible mid air collisions. Pilots are reminded to remain vigilant in the circuit at all times to avoid possible conflict with other circuit traffic.
30/7/2016	OCC0741	Wellcamp Airport	QLD	Jabiru	J160	Jabiru	2200	Pilot experienced a loss of control on the runway upon landing. The aircraft nose wheel was not stra...
Pilot experienced a loss of control on the runway upon landing. The aircraft nose wheel was not straight upon touching down which lead to the nose wheel coming down too early. OUTCOME: The pilot in command was unable to control the aircraft throughout the flare and touchdown during the landing phase on two consecutive circuits which resulted in a loss of control of the aircraft. In the second instance the aircraft departed the runway and the aircraft came to rest with no determined damage. Primary Factor: The pilots use of aileron for primary directional control on the approach and lack of use of the rudder (to effectively overcome latent slipstream effect) during the flare were identified. Contributing factors included inexperience with bitumen runway operations and offset positioning on the approach (as briefed prior to arrival) and loss of situational awareness of yaw in the flare process. Member has conducted further training and education with local CFI.
27/7/2016	OCC0755	Gawler Airfield	SA	Jabiru	230	Jabiru	3300	Pilot was conducting a take off on RWY23 for a short local flight. Appropriate radio calls were give...
Pilot was conducting a take off on RWY23 for a short local flight. Appropriate radio calls were given on the Gawler CTAF advising of the aircraft taxing to the runway and takeoff roll on RWY 23. The pilot had been listening and watching for any aircraft in the circuit and was not aware of any however maintained a lookout. As the aircraft was in climb out, at about 1100ft AMSL (900ft AGL), they were about to turn crosswind when a glider was observed in the circuit area/crosswind soaring. The pilot of the aircraft continued the take off and climbed straight ahead before turning crosswind. At the same time the pilot radioed the glider to advise they had been seen and the actions taken. The gliders response was that they had heard the rolling call and knew the aircraft was coming, but at no stage did they advise they were there. OUTCOME: RAAus Operations Managers reviewed the report. For information CAR 166C does not require an aircraft to engage or respond to a broadcast call unless there is the risk of collision. In this case both pilots successfully separated their flight paths based on preferred visual methods.
24/7/2016	OCC0715	Moree	NSW	Jabiru	170C	Jabiru	2200	A student had completed the first part of a two stage solo flying assignment and was returning to th...
A student had completed the first part of a two stage solo flying assignment and was returning to the aerodrome from the training area. The weather conditions were ideal at the time (a high overcast sky and wind was calm). The student called inbound, followed by a call approaching the airfield. A second aircraft called inbound from the West for landing on RWY 01. The student responded that they were now overflying the airfield from the NW to join downwind for RWY 19. Now on base for RWY19, the student advised their position in the circuit and, on turning finals shortly after, confirmed to the Piper that they were planning a touch and go landing. The CFI became concerned that a conflict was developing (particularly knowing the student intended a touch and go landing) and attempted several times to call the second aircraft via a portable VHF (due to the aircrafts' short range) with the purpose of advising them of the solo student established for landing on RWY19 and posed a conflict with the RWY 01 approach (with no success). The student was slightly high on their approach, touching down at the 1500’ markers and in the roll out process, subsequently lost directional control of the aircraft whilst applying brake. The aircraft veered to the left and stopping about 15m outside the runway markers. No damage was done to the aircraft. After taxiing the aircraft back to the apron area, the remainder of the flight schedule was cancelled and the student debriefed. OUTCOME: The student pilot, under direct supervision, was involved in a runway excursion on landing. Contributing factors were GA aircraft failing to give way to existing aircraft in the circuit and failure to establish communications and ensure separation. RAAus actions: CFI advised to submit REPCON report of incident to CASA and provide further training to student pilot on missed approach, decision making and traffic conflict avoidance.
17/7/2016	OCC0717	Fort Courage	NSW	Jabiru	J120c	Jabiru	2200B	The pilot and passenger were 8 nm from their destination of Wentworth and were conducting a circuit ...
The pilot and passenger were 8 nm from their destination of Wentworth and were conducting a circuit over Fort Courage at 2200ft when an unknown aircraft was noticed overhead within a very close proximity to them. The pilot continued the circuit and then continued to Wentworth. OUTCOME: Pilots are reminded to maintain good situational awareness through effective scanning and where possible fly at published hemispherical headings even below 5000 AMSL.
17/7/2016	OCC0710	Wudinna	SA	Jabiru	J230-D	Jabiru	3300-A	At about 1730 local time the pilot was landing in a paddock on private property and flew into a Mall...
At about 1730 local time the pilot was landing in a paddock on private property and flew into a Mallee tree. The pilot had already completed a low pass to confirm where they would land, however landing into the sun distorted their perception of height. OUTCOME: Loss of control event on landing due to environmental factors.
10/7/2016	OCC0707	Indented Head	VIC	Jabiru	LSA	Jabiru	2200A	All run up and system check were OK and temperature and pressures all in the green. The engine devel...
All run up and system check were OK and temperature and pressures all in the green. The engine developed full power on take off with no apparent issues. The aircraft climbed to 1000 ft. and was at cruise power when about 3-5 minutes into the flight the engine suddenly lost all power. The pilot located a suitable paddock and positioned the aircraft for an emergency landing. The pilot briefed the passenger and asked them for assistance to identify power lines and fences. The landing was uneventful with no damage to aircraft or passenger. OUTCOME: Technical Manager spoke with maintainer who indicated that the engine was a factory rebuilt engine. The engine overheated on number 4 cylinder with the valve seat separating from the cylinder head, which then caused the valve brake. There were indications that the engine overheating may have been pilot induced with a high power high angle of attack climb out rate. Engine has been re-built and has been operating normally since incident.
2/7/2016	OCC0696	10 - 08 nautical miles to the South South west of Bendigo Aerodrome	VIC	Jabiru	TBA			Numerous attempts were made to contact the pilot of an aircraft (who was also inbound from a similar...
Numerous attempts were made to contact the pilot of an aircraft (who was also inbound from a similar direction, at the same height, tracking towards Bendigo aerodrome). No response was heard from the aircraft. OUTCOME: No further action can be undertaken based on provided information as the registration number is not registered with RAAus. No further investigation possible. Members are advised to ensure they are compliant with CAAP 166-3 or CAR 166-3 regarding pilot responsibly whilst operating in non-controlled aerodrome/CTAF.
27/6/2016	OCC0692	TBA	NSW	Jabiru	J230-D	Jabiru	3300A	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: DEFECT: Maintainer has advised owner that the engine is defec...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: DEFECT: Maintainer has advised owner that the engine is defective and considered no longer airworthy. The engine has previously over heated and maintenance has not been able to assist in the issues. The engine has a total time of 250 hours. Engine heads are warped and loosening therefore needing adjusting every 25 hours. Owner has requested assistance from RAAus. OUTCOME: Owner advised that another maintainer has reviewed the engine and identified that the defect related to an engine cooling issue. Aircraft defect has been rectified with a manufacturer modification.
27/6/2016	OCC0698	Unknown	NSW	Jabiru	J230-D	Jabiru	3300A	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: DEFECT: The aircraft owners’ mechanic has determined that the...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: DEFECT: The aircraft owners’ mechanic has determined that the engine may no longer be airworthy. The engine had a history of overheating, now the heads are warped and loosening therefore needing adjusting every 25 hours. OUTCOME: Technical Manager reviewed the report and spoke with current maintainer. Maintainer stated that the engine was originally LAME maintained however during that time the LAME did not address issues with the head. The new maintainer conducted an inspection and decided that the engine should be removed prior to failure - a loan engine (Jabiru 3300A) has been fitted. The maintainer has indicated that the engine appears to have been previously run hot which may be have been due to the operator flying the aircraft with a lean mixture. To date nil defects evident since the engine replacement.
7/6/2016	OCC0699	Wimborne via Manilla	NSW	Jabiru	J230-D	Jabiru	3300A	The pilot was arriving from Ballina area and was on final approach on RWY27 of a private grass LA. D...
The pilot was arriving from Ballina area and was on final approach on RWY27 of a private grass LA. During final stages the aircraft struck a single power line with its nose leg and impacted the ground coming to rest inverted. OUTCOME: The pilot at the time of the incident was not an RAAus member (RAAus registered aircraft) and therefore the accident information has been forwarded to ATSB/ CASA for further investigation.
6/6/2016	OCC0672	Albany	WA	Jabiru	J170-C LSA	Jabiru	2200B	The aircraft engine failed while cross wind in the circuit off RWY32 at Albany Regional Airport (YAB...
The aircraft engine failed while cross wind in the circuit off RWY32 at Albany Regional Airport (YABA). There was an instantaneous loss of power accompanied by violent vibration. 'MAYDAY' was issued on the CTAF by the pilot who then closed the throttle (which reduced the vibration to a manageable level - engine continued to run but at ~idle power only). Carb heat and boost pump were already ON. Traffic taxiing on RWY32 announced they would hold on the threshold. The pilot got the nose down and turned left 150 degrees back towards the aerodrome and trimmed for best glide. Pilot landed on RWY32 without further incident. OUTCOME: On inspection of the aircraft it appears that the exhaust valve, #4 cylinder failed. The manufacturer has been notified who will identify the issue and provide feedback as required.