Occurrences

Date	Occurrence #	Location	State	Aircraft	Model	Engine	Model	Summary
23/4/2017	OCC1012	Bankstown	NSW	Aeroprakt	Vixxen	Rotax	912 ULS	During a flight training lesson on climbing, with utilisation of full power from time to time to dem...
During a flight training lesson on climbing, with utilisation of full power from time to time to demonstrate the different climb configurations, an odour of exhaust fumes was detected. This was confirmed by the CO detector turning black. The decision was made to return and land using minimal power upon return. DETERMINED OUTCOME: The LSA manufacturer has been made aware and a new exhaust design has been implemented to address issue. All operators have been notified and issues addressed across the fleet.
21/4/2017	OCC1008	Bathurst Airport	NSW	BRM Aero	Bristell	Rotax	912 ULS	Powered aircraft were conducting RH circuits on RWY35, gliding operations were on LH circuits RWY35 ...
Powered aircraft were conducting RH circuits on RWY35, gliding operations were on LH circuits RWY35 grass left. A powered aircraft conducting circuit training, announced its intentions on downwind, base and final approach to conduct a touch and go with the glider and tug combination in sight. The glider and tug combination commenced take-off with the aircraft on final approach, the aircraft had landed and applied full power for take-off with the glider and tug combination in sight. At the point of the incident the glider/tug were approximately 800m ahead of the aircraft, between 200-300’ AGL. The glider/ tug initiated an unannounced simulated launch failure. The glider broke hard to the right attempting to return to RWY17 grass right. In doing this, the glider crossed the main RWY 17/35 centreline. At this stage the aircraft (at rotation speed) sighted the glider in close proximity and descending rapidly and took positive action to abort the take-off. The glider came within approximately 100’ vertically of the aircraft and continued its approach to land on RWY17 grass right. As a result of braking at high speed, the brakes on the starboard side of the aircraft locked up and began smoking. After coming to an abrupt stop on RWY35 the aircraft announced its intentions to backtrack and vacate RWY35. Once clear of the active RWY with the ground observers reporting thick smoke coming from the starboard side main undercarriage the instructor parked the aircraft in a position clear of any buildings or flammable sources and safely disembarked the aircraft. Subsequent inspection showed that the brake fluid hose had separated from the calliper and both components showed signs of heat damage, requiring replacement of the components. Determined Outcome: Aerodrome operators should periodically meet to discuss issues. It is recommended that when potentially high risk exercises such as low level practice cable breaks are planned to occur that it is communicated to the duty instructors of other operators prior. It is also highly advisable that a radio transmission on the suitable frequency be broadcast to notify other users of an imminent practice. This incident highlights the important of see and avoid and presents a good example of correct decision making by the pilot who aborted the touch and go landing and subsequently landed to avoid further confliction.
21/4/2017	OCC1004	Albany	WA	Jabiru	SP500	Jabiru	Jabiru 2.2	The pilot Left the hangar at 9.25am, gave taxi call for RWY32, and then gave an entry and back track...
The pilot Left the hangar at 9.25am, gave taxi call for RWY32, and then gave an entry and back track call for 32. After which they gave a departure call on 32 stating they would be tracking 330. The pilot did not give an intended height as they intended to fly above the inversion which the pilot estimated to be about 4000ft. At approx. 7m N at about 3800ft. the pilot saw an incoming aircraft to Albany at a similar flight level slightly to their right. The aircraft was RPT. The aircraft also appeared to be taking evasive action to the left and passed to the right at a distance of about 300m. In the 15min that the pilots’ radio was on they was not aware of any incoming call. The pilot believes their radio was OK as there was other traffic at Albany and the RPT acknowledged that they had heard my departure call but that the pilot had not made a post take off call, which is correct, they intended to do so at 4000ft. The pilot is very aware of commercial aircraft at Albany and their priority, keeping to the E of any incoming or departing aircraft. RPT on radio said they had made a call. If this is so the pilot did not hear it. Outcome: The reporting pilot carried out all required procedures at this non- controlled AD and was situationally aware of the general presence of RPT traffic. This incident highlights the overarching importance of well developed and practiced "See and Avoid" disciplines and appropriate avoidance action which were effectively applied in this instance.
21/4/2017	OCC1011	10nm SE of Roma	QLD	Tecnam	P92 Echo	Rotax	912	The engine began to intermittently run rough during cruise flight to a nearby airfield. Due to the n...
The engine began to intermittently run rough during cruise flight to a nearby airfield. Due to the northerly wind and altitude, it was decided to continue flying South to the intended airfield (4NM) but position the aircraft over open country in case it failed completely. An examination on the ground revealed one module to be very intermittent and the other to run rough at low engine revs. The maintainer installed two other modules to test engine and found it to run smoothly on one module and slightly rough on the other. The maintainer has now had three ignition modules that are in various states of failure. OUTCOME: RAAus Technical Manager has reviewed this report and is aware of the known failure with this module in this type of engine. Technical Manager has spoken with the distributor in regard to this module and RAAus will continue to monitor these types of incidents.
19/4/2017	OCC1006	Redcliffe Airport	QLD	Jabiru	160C	Jabiru	2200B	The aircraft experienced a total engine failure within the circuit area of Redcliffe Airport, the en...
The aircraft experienced a total engine failure within the circuit area of Redcliffe Airport, the engine stopped suddenly without prior indication. Normal engine failure procedures were undertaken and the aircraft was flown onto the approach of RWY07 at Redcliffe. Due to prevailing gusting winds at the time the aircraft contacted the ground in a sideways motion causing the nose gear to collapse with subsequent damage to the undercarriage and fuselage. OUTCOME: Incident has been refereed to Airworthiness and Engineering branch of CASA.
19/4/2017	OCC1003	Aldinga	SA	Cubcrafters Carbon Cub	CC11-160	Cub Crafters	CC340	Approximate wind at the time of the incident was 10kt NE. An unoccupied, un-chocked aircraft was par...
Approximate wind at the time of the incident was 10kt NE. An unoccupied, un-chocked aircraft was parked in a hangar with other aircraft. Personnel were taking the other aircraft out from the same hangar for the day and opened two doors on opposite sides of the hangar to make it easier to take out multiple aircraft. The doors remained open for approximately 5 minutes with no significant sign of wind blowing through the hangar. An unexpected strong gust of wind passed through the hangar, accelerating through the door opening causing the parked the aircraft to turn 90 degrees to the right. This caused the port wing to collide with the edge of the open hangar door which resulted in damage to the leading edge of the wing. OUTCOME: When moving aircraft in and out of hangars, pilots must always be prepared for the possibility of thermal activity or unexpected gusts. Recommendations include closing the hangar doors once the aircraft is out, and chocking aircraft in hangars. Once out of the hangar, ensure the aircraft is parked with brakes secured or tied down for any extended periods prior to flying.
18/4/2017	OCC1010	Gympie Airport	QLD	Auster	J2	Textron Lycoming	O-235-C1B	Flying circuits at YGYM, Aircraft 1 was on short final RWY14, Aircraft 2: was on base. Aircraft 3 c...
Flying circuits at YGYM, Aircraft 1 was on short final RWY14, Aircraft 2: was on base. Aircraft 3 called entering and backtracking RWY14 just after Aircraft 1 called turning final. Aircraft 1 called short final to make Aircraft 3 known of their position. After Aircraft 3 realised the mistake, swerved erratically around runway but failed to vacate the RWY. Aircraft 1 initiated a go around, Aircraft 2 shortly after was forced to go around for the same reason. On the next circuit, Aircraft 3 was still occupying the RWY, parked and not moving. The pilot of Aircraft 1 prompted and asked if they would vacate the RWY, Aircraft 3 replied that they were conducting run-ups on the RWY. Aircraft 1 initiated another go around as the RWY was blocked. Again Aircraft 1 prompted Aircraft 3 and asked if they would vacate the RWY, Aircraft 3 replied saying they were not on the pavement (but still on the grass within the gable markers, which is where Aircraft 1 intended to land). Aircraft 2 had to initiate another go around due blocked RWY. A third go around initiated, Aircraft 2 landed on the pavement despite Aircraft 3 still being on the grass within the gable markers. Aircraft 3 then vacated the RWY for a circuit.
17/4/2017	OCC1020	Wollongong Regional Airport	NSW	Airborne Windsports	XT 912	Rotax	912 UL	The aircraft bounced on landing, and on the second touchdown it veered to the left, coming to rest o...
The aircraft bounced on landing, and on the second touchdown it veered to the left, coming to rest on its right side in a water-filled ditch. The ditch was covered with long grass and it appeared as level ground. OUTCOME: The student landed on an area outside the gable markers for the runway resulting in the aircraft diverting off track and subsequently impacting with a ditch. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The student will undertake additional training prior to issue of a Pilot Certificate. Members are reminded of the importance of landing within approved and appropriately maintained landing areas on aerodrome, as indicated by gable markers.
15/4/2017	OCC1001	Moorabbin Airport	VIC	Aeroprakt	Foxbat A22LS	Rotax	912	During circuit training on RWY 17L at YMMB, after making the final touchdown it was realised there w...
During circuit training on RWY 17L at YMMB, after making the final touchdown it was realised there was an aircraft on finals behind them so made the decision of exiting on RWY22. The pilot missed the turn on to taxiway Foxtrot and continued on RWY22. As soon as the pilot realised the error the pilot stopped and contacted YMMB ground. It was concluded that the aircraft had just crossed the holding point for RWY17R, which was also the duty RWY the time. The pilot had the gable markers ahead, indicating the entry into a RWY. OUTCOME: A joint visit was undertaken between Airservices ATC staff, the school's training manager and RAAus Operations to identify specific operational issues and an appropriate working process to address these. Agreed attendance at monthly safety meetings by the Flight school and Airservices and the removal of a taxiway where regular occurrences have occurred has been applied as appropriate mitigation with continued monitoring being adopted.
13/4/2017	OCC1005	Sunshine Coast Airport	QLD	Alpi	Pioneer 300	Rotax	912 ULS	During a training circuit it was noted the engine was running rough on approach. At first it was sus...
During a training circuit it was noted the engine was running rough on approach. At first it was suspected icing and the pilot took appropriate actions with no improvement. By the time the aircraft was on short final, below 200ft approximately the rough running drastically escalated resulting in the engine failing completely. The aircraft landed safely and some basic checks carried out on the RWY resulting in restarting the engine. OUTCOME: Upon Inspection of the aircraft (by the engineer responsible for the usual maintenance) it was confirmed to have been a failure in the mechanical fuel pump. Although the electrical auxiliary pump was running at the time this particular failure still resulted in loss of power. This is a type certified engine in the pioneer.
12/4/2017	OCC1000	Tunbridge Airfield	TAS	Jabiru	J120C	Jabiru	2200	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The aircraft landed with a flat main wheel tyre, damaging the...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: The aircraft landed with a flat main wheel tyre, damaging the disc rotor. Due to the design of the brakes, the brake disc diameter is larger than the rolling flat tyre diameter of the wheel. This can allow the disc rotor to freely roll on the runway surface causing bending and burring damage to the thin disc, rendering it u/s or worst case, jamming in the caliper assembly, locking the wheel from turning. DETERMINED OUTCOME: This occurrence has been referred to CASA engineering and airworthiness branch and the manufacturer for further monitoring and action where required.
11/4/2017	OCC0994	~20Nm E of Cunnamulla	QLD	Kitfox	Speedster	Rotax	912	After an uneventful take off the pilot proceeded to make track and climb on a heading of 000 towards...
After an uneventful take off the pilot proceeded to make track and climb on a heading of 000 towards Charleville. At an altitude of about 2700ft the pilot started to smell a faint smell of oil and was proceeding to re-scan the gauges, when sparks erupted from under the cowl and the engine lost power. The pilot cycled the magnetos and established there was no power. The pilot then switch off magnetos, made two May-Day calls on the area frequency and the multi-com frequency and commenced a gentle turn away from a wooded area towards more open country to the south nearer to a Farmstead. The pilot selected a landing site that was clear of large trees and that had less shrub and proceeded to land, but as the aircraft was slowing the right wing collided with a small dead tree. The aircraft then ground looped in a clockwise direction and came to stop. The pilot then self extracted without harm and proceeded on foot the homestead to raise the alarm. DETERMINED OUTCOME: The aircraft is a 19 amateur built but had a type certified 912 A rotax. Aircraft has a total time of approx 470 hours in 24 years. The problem was identified as a value issue but until the engine is pulled down nothing further at this stage. The aircraft and engine was L2-LAME maintained. The owner stated that the engine appeared to run a little rough prior to take off. In time a pull down report may be supplied.
8/4/2017	OCC0988	Geraldton	WA	Morgan Aero Works	Cougar MK1	Jabiru	3.3	Whilst the aircraft was taxiing the nose wheel became stuck in loose dirt. Over use of right rudder ...
Whilst the aircraft was taxiing the nose wheel became stuck in loose dirt. Over use of right rudder by the pilot caused rudder cable to break. OUTCOME: This is an amateur built aircraft where the design standards are not mandated. On review of similar types of aircraft it has been identified that a bike brake cable is sometimes used in this application and is usually supplied with the kit. The RAAus Technical Manager has spoken with the aircraft designer of this amateur build regarding parts.
8/4/2017	OCC0995	Loxton Airfield	SA	Challenger	CH2	Rotax	503	The aircraft was tied down alongside the hangar when a very strong gust of wind broke the tie down r...
The aircraft was tied down alongside the hangar when a very strong gust of wind broke the tie down ropes and flipped the plane upside down, resulting in the wing landing on a club members’ car. OUTCOME: A freak convection gust (which was later reported to exceed 70kph caused the aircraft to lift from its tie downs which were tied down to water ballast containers). Consequently one rope failed when the aircraft was lifted and one rope attached to a water container snapped allowing the aircraft to flip over an adjacent fence and onto the car. No weather conditions were forecast to indicate extreme convection, storm or frontal activity according to owner.
1/4/2017	OCC1013	Gawler Airfield	SA	Zenith Aircraft	Zodiac Ch 601 Hds	Rotax	912 UL	As the pilot was turning right onto downwind, a glider was coming towards the aircraft from the slig...
As the pilot was turning right onto downwind, a glider was coming towards the aircraft from the slight right hand side (up the downwind). The pilot took action to avoid the glider as did they, the pilot radioed the glider to say they had been seen and avoided, however got no response. OUTCOME: The incident has been reported to the Gliding Club safety committee and CFI for follow up. It is likely it was a glider and pilot not familiar with the airfield and right hand circuits on RWY 23, the actions from the gliding club address any identified issues. RAAus Operations Manager has reviewed the report, no further action at this time.