Occurrences

Date	Occurrence #	Location	State	Aircraft	Model	Engine	Model	Summary
7/5/2016	OCC0703	Mareeba Aerodrome	QLD	Jabiru	J160	Jabiru	2200A	With a 10-12 kt headwind on final, at about 6-8 ft off the ground, the aircraft suddenly dropped. Th...
With a 10-12 kt headwind on final, at about 6-8 ft off the ground, the aircraft suddenly dropped. The pilot flared quickly to a nose up attitude and the aircraft bounced off the main undercarriage. The stall warning sounded and the plane fell suddenly to the RWY damaging the main left and nose wheel, and the propeller struck the RWY. OUTCOME: Runway Loss of Control (R-LOC) due to pilot unable to recognise potential wind gradient. Pilots reactions were unable to adjust to the environmental conditions and the aircraft commenced a Pilot Induced oscillation after a mismanaged bounce recovery. Member has been recommended for further training.
6/5/2016	OCC0680	Seabird	WA	Jabiru	J250	Jabiru	3300	Aircraft operating under VFR entered IMC due to the weather deteriorated from the NAIPS forecast. O...
Aircraft operating under VFR entered IMC due to the weather deteriorated from the NAIPS forecast. OUTCOME: Pilot failed to maintain VMC flight due to stress of weather and continued to operate below VMC and required height minima's in order to reach his planned destination. Experienced pilots are reminded that HF considerations are paramount for successful flight outcomes and should not be compromised by years of experience or having "got away with it" in the past. Normalization of these behaviours unfortunately has led to tragedy in many recorded aviation accidents particularly in relation to continuing flights into marginal VMC.
23/4/2016	OCC0648	Adelaide	SA	Jabiru	SP 500	Jabiru	2200A	Airspace Infringement near Mount Bold Reservoir: Description:- PC12 PIL inbound to Adelaide from DRI...
Airspace Infringement near Mount Bold Reservoir: Description:- PC12 PIL inbound to Adelaide from DRINA on descent to A030 visual was given traffic on a 1200 squawk with no mode C indication crossing right to left about 14 miles south east of Adelaide. As traffic was passed, a mode C readout of A029 was received from the 1200 squawk, and PIL's descent was stopped at A040. The aircraft passed each other with no less than 1000 ft separation. The 1200 squawk was identified as Jabiru, the altitude verified, and the aircraft instructed to leave class C descending to A025. OUTCOME: Loss of situational awareness due to inattention and distraction in close proximity to control area boundary. The experienced pilot has self evaluated his planning and in flight management errors to protect against any further occurrences SAFETY MESSAGE: RAAus pilots are reminded to ensure adequate planning and consideration of all environmental factors when conducting flights in proximity to known controlled airspace boundaries. High work loads and distraction, due to unexpected flight conditions, can be mitigated by pilots applying generous buffers in their pre-flight planning, and vigilance to in flight navigation, and decision making.
13/4/2016	OCC0622	Bathurst	NSW	Jabiru	J170	Jabiru	2200B	Glider and tug combinations operating on RWY08 conducting Left Hand (LH) circuits. Powered aircraft ...
Glider and tug combinations operating on RWY08 conducting Left Hand (LH) circuits. Powered aircraft conducting operations on RWY17. (RWY08 is not considered serviceable for powered aircraft due to high glider and tug activity inside the active RWY.) Jabiru called inbound from the South and arrived to a busy circuit with other powered aircraft conducting LH circuits on RWY17. Gliders and tug aircraft were in operation on RWY08. Using standard procedures Jabiru announced its intentions and joined an early downwind (Left) for RWY17. Once established on downwind RWY17 Jabiru communicated with Glider and Ground to confirm separation between the gliders that were operating in the vicinity. Glider Ground advised there were two gliders “thermalling 4000’ off the threshold RWY26” and the pilot confirmed that they had them both sighted. Jabiru continued with the circuit calling both Base leg and Final approach, before landing on RWY17 and was maintaining a look-out for other aircraft (including Cessna in front, Diamond behind and the two gliders) with which the pilot had lost sight during turns to Base and Final (Jabiru being a high wing aircraft). Once Jabiru had touched down on RWY17 the pilot noticed a glider on short final for RWY08 (at the Jabirus' 2 o'clock position) it was then the pilot decided that they did not have sufficient time to stop before RWY08. Jabiru applied full power to cross RWY08 as quickly as possible as it was the pilots best option to keep clear of the glider. Once Jabiru reached flying speed the pilot took-off and announced their intention to conduct another circuit. OUTCOME: ATSB and RAAF have investigated this occurrence. The ATSB have provided a short bulletin on the investigation which can be read by accessing https://www.atsb.gov.au/publications/investigation_reports/2016/aair/ao-2016-034/
16/3/2016	OCC0610	Albury	NSW	Jabiru	J230-d LSA	Jabiru	J230-D	Aircraft failed to report and an INCERFA was declared. Aircraft was instructed to call clear of cont...
Aircraft failed to report and an INCERFA was declared. Aircraft was instructed to call clear of controlled airspace at 16nm AY. At 2309 calls to aircraft were unanswered from AY TWR and ML CTR. INCERFA declared and details passed to ML ORM for action. ML ORM advised that aircraft was safe on ground and INCERFA cancelled. OUTCOME: Pilot determined that he made the appropriate departure call. Action taken to cancel INCERFA was activated immediately and no further action was required.
15/3/2016	OCC0608	Narrandera	NSW	Jabiru	J230	Jabiru	3300A	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: DEFECT: Induction Hoses softening and not sealing clamps. Not...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: DEFECT: Induction Hoses softening and not sealing clamps. Not sealing hoses for full circumference and allowing fuel/air mixture to leak and lean cylinder. OUTCOME: Technical Manager has liaised with Jabiru for guidance on the issues. The hoses were removed and replaced at 500 h, with new hoses and clamps supplied by Jabiru fitted. Jabiru Maintenance Manual Issue 6 was used however the document was found to provide little guidance to the torque to be applied to the clamps. The new hoses have approximately 16 hours on them and the clamps and hoses on No.2 & No.4 are starting to exhibit the same issues that were previously noted. Jabiru indicated to RAAus that they would offer to review the clamps currently being utilised to see if there was a defective batch. Jabiru also offered to review their technical manual and add a procedure for tightening the clamp for owners of Jabirus.
14/3/2016	OCC0602	Orange	NSW	Jabiru	J160C	Jabiru	2200	A near-miss reported. RAAus aircraft called taxiing for RWY04, which was not the operational runway,...
A near-miss reported. RAAus aircraft called taxiing for RWY04, which was not the operational runway, however did not make any further CTAF calls until turning crosswind. The aircraft was aware of other traffic operating to RWY11 and had been communicating with them on the CTAF(R) frequency. RAAus aircraft conducted a takeoff on RWY04 whilst a C-27J was on short finals to RWY11. OUTCOME: Owner of aircraft advised that the aircraft was not flown on the day in question however was flown on the Sunday (next day). Pilot was with a student and circuits were being conducted on RWY04 which was most into wind runway. No loss of separation was evident and communication and clearance was assured at all time by the pilot in command.
12/3/2016	OCC0803	Inverell Aerodrome	NSW	Jabiru	J170	Jabiru	2200B	On departure the aircraft experienced partial engine failure on take-off (the engine dropped to idle...
On departure the aircraft experienced partial engine failure on take-off (the engine dropped to idle in a full power configuration). The engine power was restored however the pilot made a precautionary landing. Upon a ground inspection, the aircraft seemed ok with the engine performing as normal. The aircraft continued to its destination the following day without any further incident. OUTCOME: A later inspection by a mechanic found a faulty fuel pump to be the fault and the defective part was replaced.
9/3/2016	OCC0587	Paechtown (NW of Murray Bridge Airport)	SA	Jabiru	LSA	Jabiru	2200	During practice engine failures from height at a local ALA (5nm NW of Murray Bridge SA) where the di...
During practice engine failures from height at a local ALA (5nm NW of Murray Bridge SA) where the different environment made the flare hard to judge. The aircraft was configured for landing and during the flare the aircraft landed in a flat attitude where the subsequent force bent the nose wheel oleo and the wheel tucked up into the nose wheel housing damaging the compression rubber. As the aircraft was subsequently in a nose down attitude, the propeller contacted the ground and there was prop tip damage. OUTCOME: Runway - Loss of Control (R-LOC) as a result of initial high flare by student which was not successfully arrested by student or instructor. Instructor has been mentored by Operations and advised to retain a high level of vigilance in the landing phase, particularly when away from home AD or with students that have any degree of historical inconsistency in critical phases of flight.
5/3/2016	OCC0589	Coffs Harbour	NSW	Jabiru	J170-C	Jabiru	2200	Instructor briefed student pilot in the plane before exiting and confirmed that they were ok with an...
Instructor briefed student pilot in the plane before exiting and confirmed that they were ok with another flight to Bundagen and to establish in the training area for 30 minutes. Student pilot taxied from the Aeroclub (via HOTEL ECHO to holding point ALPHA for RWY03 as the instructor insisted they use the main wider runway that the student was used to). Student pilot was given a conditional clearance at holding point ALPHA to line up behind the Foxbat on final. Student pilot read back his clearance with line up behind however the student pilot crossed the holding point in front of the Foxbat. The Foxbat was asked to make a full stop (which they did) and the student pilot was cleared for take off and a right turn in front of the Foxbat. After the student pilot was airborne the Foxbat was cleared for take off doing circuit RWY03. Instructor and CFI questioned the student pilot on their return who explained that they did not see the Foxbat on final and through they were right to enter runway for take-off. OUTCOME: Non compliance with ATC instruction has been dealt with by the students' CFI. Operations remind all pilots, even those under ATC control, that situational awareness and lookout remain as highest priorities for avoidance of collisions in any circuit area.
27/2/2016	OCC0579	Medlow Bath (Katoomba Airfield)	NSW	Jabiru	ST 3	Jabiru	2200A	Fatal Accident involving RAAus member. RAAus accident consultants are assisting police in determinin...
Fatal Accident involving RAAus member. RAAus accident consultants are assisting police in determining the causal factors that led to the accident. A special Enews was published http://www.vision6.com.au/em/message/email/view.php?id=1178971&u=70000
28/1/2016	OCC0559	Wollongong Airport	NSW	Jabiru	J-170	Jabiru	2200B	After a dual check with an instructor pilot commenced a series of touch and go circuits, on the last...
After a dual check with an instructor pilot commenced a series of touch and go circuits, on the last landing the pilot applied the brakes to commence slowing down. There was an audible "pop" sound followed by complete loss of brake pressure and braking effect. The pilot successfully completed the rollout, pulled off onto the grass verge and rolled to a stop with no damage to the aircraft. OUTCOME: Subsequent checking of the aircraft showed that cable ties, securing the brake lines to the undercarriage leg had broken, allowing the brake lines to be pulled out of position during flight leading to a kink in the brake line. A pre-landing brake check had shown normal pressure on the brake lever. When the brakes where applied after landing, the brake line had failed at the kink causing total loss of braking. The cable ties securing the brake lines were found to be brittle, probably from UV exposure. The aircraft is not hangared. The operator will check and replace all other exposed cable ties.
22/1/2016	OCC0557	Morawa	WA	Jabiru	SP500-6	Jabiru	6	On touchdown on RWY33 at Morawa, WA pilot was hit by a willy willy or massive wind change. Pilot cou...
On touchdown on RWY33 at Morawa, WA pilot was hit by a willy willy or massive wind change. Pilot could not control the aircraft so decided to do a go around. On applying full power the nose gear collapsed and the right main gear broke and folded back. OUTCOME: Pilot and local CFI were advised of appropriate strategies to assist in minimising the effects of local meteorological conditions and the correct communication and cancellation processes for any inferred SAR that may be undertaken as the result of an accident. Pilots operating at remote airfields, where environmental factors are likely to have major impacts on flight control in the landing phase, should consider appropriate arrival and departure timing or available alternates or advanced precautionary assessment of the intended landing area.
11/1/2016	OCC0542	66nm East of Bourke	NSW	Jabiru	J120-C	Jabiru	2200B	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: DEFECT: Pilot noticed a strong smell of smoke and carried out...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: DEFECT: Pilot noticed a strong smell of smoke and carried out emergency checks. It was discovered that the avionics 10 amp circuit breaker had popped. Prior to the smoke smell, the radio had became unserviceable. The aircraft arrived at Bourke where a flapless landing was carried out. OUTCOME: After inspection of the aircraft by a factory rep, various parts were replaced with others remained in situ. The aircraft the conducted a further flight of 100 NM before the aircraft's electrical system failed again which appear to be due to the radio and tacho. Awaiting further inspection report from the manufacturer.
31/12/2015	OCC0607	Portland	VIC	Jabiru	J170-C	Jabiru	2200	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: DEFECT: Oil leak detected on top if #4 cylinder at crank case...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: DEFECT: Oil leak detected on top if #4 cylinder at crank case interface. Bulk Strip by L2 confirmed crank case fretting on 3 crankshaft bearing. OUTCOME: Rectification via engineering methods and upgrading of components. No issue with this type of engine.