Occurrences

Date	Occurrence #	Location	State	Aircraft	Model	Engine	Model	Summary
25/2/2018	OCC1310	Yinnetharra Station, via Carnarvon	WA	Aeroprakt	A22LS Foxbat	Rotax	912ULS	On touchdown, the rudder/steering pedals were locked and would not respond. The plane veered to the ...
On touchdown, the rudder/steering pedals were locked and would not respond. The plane veered to the right heading off of the RWY and towards a drum marking the edge of the RWY. The pilot increased to full power to lift over the drum and gain height so that they could try to work out the problem. Once in the air the plane veered to the left and could not be corrected, causing the left wing to hit the ground and spin the plane sideways. On investigation after the incident it was found that a water bottle that had been on the PAX seat had fallen off and lodged under the rudder pedals on the PAX side and hidden from view by the cockpit console. DETERMINED OUTCOME: Due to an unsecured water bottle, which lodged under rudder pedals in the aircraft, the pilot was unable to effectively manage the aircraft during a landing. The aircraft was destroyed in the subsequent loss of control accident. Pilots are reminded of the importance of securing any loose objects in the cockpit.
25/2/2018	OCC1317	Moruya	NSW	Jabiru	J230D	Jabiru	3300A	The PIC and PAX were undertaking a day trip to Moruya from Wollongong. The pilot selected 04 (820m) ...
The PIC and PAX were undertaking a day trip to Moruya from Wollongong. The pilot selected 04 (820m) due to prevailing wind. Due to the unfamiliar terrain and localised turbulence the pilot conducted 3 missed approaches. The 4th attempt resulted in a bounced landing and a go around. The 5th attempt was successful. Outcome: No action by RAAus Required.
25/2/2018	OCC1305	Moorabbin	VIC	Skyfox Aviation	Gazelle Ca25n	Rotax	912A
23/2/2018	OCC1298	Truro Flats Airpark	SA	Jabiru	J170	Jabiru	2200B	During dual flight training the student aborted a take-off which resulted in the aircraft sliding on...
During dual flight training the student aborted a take-off which resulted in the aircraft sliding on the wet grass RWY. The prop made contact with the perimeter fence at the end of the RWY. The engine was shut down and damaged assessed. A small nick was apparent at the tip of one of the propeller blades. The fence was undamaged. DETERMINED OUTCOME: Debrief revealed lack of communication of expectations between Senior Instructor and pilot conducted take off. Pre-take off safety brief was conducted, but use of short field take-off technique and clearly defined take off abort point (go/no go point) would have prevented this from occurring. The pilot managed the aborted take-off process correctly but due to the soft wet surface, the aircraft did not stop as expected. The fence was impacted and the aircraft grounded until assessment of the damage could be completed.
22/2/2018	OCC1307	Bendigo	VIC	Aeroprakt	A22LS Foxbat	Rotax	912 ULS	During flight training a student landed the aircraft harder than usual. Upon inspection the controls...
During flight training a student landed the aircraft harder than usual. Upon inspection the controls were still useable and nothing seemed to be wrong. When the aircraft was inspected the following morning it was noted that the nose wheel was slightly bent. DETERMINED OUTCOME: No further action required by RAAus.
21/2/2018	OCC1302	Caloundra Airport	QLD	The Airplane Factory	Sling 2 LSA	Rotax	912 ULS	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: DEFECT: Composite main undercarriage leg heat damage found wh...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: DEFECT: Composite main undercarriage leg heat damage found while carrying out a 100-hour inspection. Damaged area was adjacent to, and very close to the LH brake disc. The disk had very little clearance from the leg, and even though there was a fabric heat shield fitted to the leg - the epoxy resin in the leg construction was softened and was bubbling, to the point where the weight of the aircraft had deformed the leg, and the wheel was noticeably leaning in towards the fuselage on the top edge, rather than out away from the leg. U/S undercarriage leg removed from service. Flying school attributed the damage to long taxis (operates on a controlled airport), or very heavy use of braking on the landing roll out. New leg was installed. DETERMINED OUTCOME: Maintainers of Sling LSA aircraft should inspect this area closely. The maintainers have contacted the factory and agent and the factory is now installing short metal brake line sections from the calliper (about 150mm long) and removing the soft plastic brake line from this (potentially) hot area.
21/2/2018	OCC1304	Caloundra	QLD	Sling	2	Rotax	912 LS	During circuit training on RWY12 at YCDR. The Sling 2 was the only aircraft in the circuit at the ti...
During circuit training on RWY12 at YCDR. The Sling 2 was the only aircraft in the circuit at the time. A Cirrus aircraft attempted to join the circuit for RWY23, but instead flew through the Downwind for RWY12 at approx. 1000ft. The Sling 2 had to apply power and pull up to avoid the Cirrus as it turned directly to them at 90 degrees from the right. The pilot was aware the Cirrus has a faster performance than the Sling 2, therefore knew a left hand turn would not help. The only option was to climb so that it flew under them. The Cirrus pilot, when advised by the Sling pilot that they had just flown through the RWY12 circuits, apologised, but did not to acknowledge of the near miss. DETERMINED OUTCOME: Referred to CASA Sport due to the other aircraft being VH registered.
18/2/2018	OCC1294	Coffs Harbour	NSW	Aeroprakt	A32 Vixxen	Rotax	912 ULS	Birdstrike DETERMINED OUTCOME: Animal strike data is monitored through the RAAus OMS to assist in...
Birdstrike DETERMINED OUTCOME: Animal strike data is monitored through the RAAus OMS to assist in identifying problem areas. This is an isolated event and has been captured for statistical purposes.
16/2/2018	OCC1293	Wollongong Airport	NSW	jabiru	J230	jabiru	33A	The pilot of a Jabiru taxied from the hanger to the run up area near HARS with the plane facing appr...
The pilot of a Jabiru taxied from the hanger to the run up area near HARS with the plane facing approximately south, the same direction as an RPT landed. The pilot did the engine run up, carb heat, set trim etc., then radioed their intent to backtrack RWY08 and inched the Jabiru turning about 60 degrees and as they did they saw the RPT rolling out after landing on RWY 16 and simultaneously heard their call. The Jabiru stopped short of the RWY holding point marker. The RPT pilot asked if the Jabiru had heard the RPTs earlier call, the reply was no. The Jabiru moved to the east to clear the TWY, RPT said it had clearance and the Jabiru then backtracked RWY 08 and proceeded the flight. DETERMINED OUTCOME: This occurrence highlights the importance of maintaining a listening watch on the CTAF frequency. Where there is any potential for confusion or doubt pilots should consider confirming or speaking in plain language over the radio to remove any uncertainty. Pilot should always check the runway and approach paths before entering or crossing a runway even though a transmission has been made and no reply received.
16/2/2018	OCC1301	Caloundra Airport	QLD	The Airplane Factory	Sling 2 LSA	Rotax	912 iS	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: DEFECT: Aircraft undergoing a 100 hourly - discovered a crack...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: DEFECT: Aircraft undergoing a 100 hourly - discovered a crack in a propeller blade shank/base, parallel with the edge of the hub/blade clamp area on the leading side of the blade. Hairline crack 25mm long was in the aluminium sheath/clamping collar on the base of the blade just outside the edge of the hub. Propeller removed from service. OUTCOME: RAAus technical team engaged with the manufacturer and has requested that they improve the quality of future propellers fitted to this aircraft.
16/2/2018	OCC1291	Wangaratta Airport	VIC	Tecnam	Barvo	Rotax	912 ULS	While stationary on movement area with park brake on before start-up the aircraft was hit from behin...
While stationary on movement area with park brake on before start-up the aircraft was hit from behind. A VH registered RV6 taxied into the Tecnam causing severe damage to RH stabilator and minor damage to fin. Fuselage from the Tecnam came to rest on top of the LH wing of API. API sustained propeller, spinner and LH wing leading edge damage. No persons were injured in the incident. DETERMINED OUTCOME: This matter has been referred to CASA Sport.
16/2/2018	OCC1290	Bankstown	NSW	Bristell	NG5	Rotax	912 ULS	During flight training, the aircraft was about to turn downwind and climbing through 900ft. At this...
During flight training, the aircraft was about to turn downwind and climbing through 900ft. At this point The instructor heard the engine RPM drop to an unsafe power setting so took command and whilst turning downwind and levelling out at 1000ft, attempted to trouble shoot as they had lost power and were continuing to do so. The instructor declared a PANPAN call requiring immediate preference to land RWY 29L. From this point they decided to glide into land and not rely on power and landed safely with no further incident, also taxiing off the runway using the aircraft's inertia.
14/2/2018	OCC1292	Wollongong	NSW	Jabiru	J160C	Jabiru	2200	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: DEFECT: Metal particulate found in oil filter during a routin...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: DEFECT: Metal particulate found in oil filter during a routine oil change. Upon investigation it was found that a piston circlip on number 3 piston had broken resulting in the gudgeon pin becoming loose and rubbing on the edge of the crankcase. After consulting manufacturer, a decision was made to remove engine from service and return to manufacturer for repair and further investigation. DETERMINED OUTCOME: This occurrence has been referred to CASA engineering and airworthiness branch and the manufacturer for further monitoring and action where required.
12/2/2018	OCC1288	Private Airfield, Bluewater	QLD	Aeroprakt	A22LS Foxbat	Rotax	912ULS	The aircraft landed roughly resulting in damage to the nose wheel. Determined Outcome: Pilot has ...
The aircraft landed roughly resulting in damage to the nose wheel. Determined Outcome: Pilot has undertaken 4 hours of flight review work with more revision work scheduled. PIC acknowledged that was habitually approaching slower in his flying and flaring too high. Remedial actions by pilot are satisfactory for review purposes. NFA Ops.
11/2/2018	OCC1285	Chinchilla	QLD	Kolb	Mark III Xtra	Rotax	912A	While completing a 3-point landing in a tail wheel aircraft on a private grass air-strip, the tail w...
While completing a 3-point landing in a tail wheel aircraft on a private grass air-strip, the tail wheel assembly cracked and broke away from the tail of the aircraft. The aircraft tail skidded along the ground dragging the tail wheel assembly by the connecting chains. The tail wheel assembly contacted and damaged the rudder and elevator control surfaces. DETERMINED OUTCOME: It is likely that the tail-wheel assembly which used a 3/4" solid aluminium rod to attach the wheel to the fuselage boom may have become work-hardened over time, causing it to crack rather than flex as intended. This will be replaced with a spring steel option.