Occurrences

Date	Occurrence #	Location	State	Aircraft	Model	Engine	Model	Summary
15/10/2016	OCC0790	Bundaberg	QLD	Austflight ULA	Drifter A-503	Rotax	503 DCDI	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: DEFECT: Eddy current testing revealed cracks. The main crack...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: DEFECT: Eddy current testing revealed cracks. The main cracking caused by worn washers and resulting loosening of bolts in diagonal stay behind seat. OUTCOME: A repair schedule has been designed and approved by a CASA sub Part 21m engineer. Cracks occur in a known area and old service bulletins are available for further information. The aircraft is undergoing a full re-build with the crack not posing an immediate risk to the safe operation of the aircraft.
12/10/2016	OCC0779	Bankstown Airport	NSW	AEROPRAKT	A22LS	Rotax	912 ULS	During landing, the pilot bounced the aircraft three times before going around for another attempt t...
During landing, the pilot bounced the aircraft three times before going around for another attempt to land. After the go around, the pilot realised the rudders had jammed and did not move at all. On the second attempt at landing, the pilot did not have any directional control and ran off the edge of the RWY 29R after landing. OUTCOME: Pilot experienced Pilot Induced Oscillation (PIO) during the landing phase and did not initiate a go-around quickly enough to avoid damage to the nose leg. During the subsequent landing the pilot was not able to maintain directional control of the aircraft due to possible jamming of the rudder and the aircraft ran off the runway. Pilot has correctly identified the need to identify a possible PIO and initiate a go-around early enough to prevent aircraft damage.
12/10/2016	OCC0782	South Grafton Airfield	NSW	Jabiru	230	Jabiru	3300A	The pilot carried out the usual walk around and pre-flight checks. The aircraft proceeded to take of...
The pilot carried out the usual walk around and pre-flight checks. The aircraft proceeded to take off. On climb at 80 kts and around 500 ft, the pilot noticed that there was little response from the joy stick controlling the ailerons (when wanting to turn right the aircraft wanted to veer left). The pilot managed to overfly the airfield and tried to setup a landing. The aircraft suddenly went left, lost height and impacted the ground. Both pilot and passenger removed themselves from the aircraft. Emergency services attended the scene. OUTCOME: During downwind departure, pilot did not recognise aircraft was close to a stalled state, and as a result of completing a turn to the airfield, the aircraft stalled and spun at low level. Aircraft was extensively damaged and the pilot suffered a broken jaw and a number of cracked ribs, while the passenger sustained bruising. The pilot has been required to complete a flight review focusing on stall recognition and recovery prior to further flight.
9/10/2016	OCC0861	Narromine	NSW	Skyfox	CA22	Rotax	912 A	Whilst attempting to land on RWY 04 the pilot decided on a go-around as a wind gust picked the aircr...
Whilst attempting to land on RWY 04 the pilot decided on a go-around as a wind gust picked the aircraft up after touchdown. During the subsequent, second landing attempt the aircraft was again hit by a gust, and the left wingtip briefly touched the RWY right after touchdown. The pilot proceeded to land, straightened the aircraft out and had an uneventful roll-out. OUTCOME: PIC lost control in the final phase of landing in difficult conditions but effectively recovered the aircraft satisfactorily with minor damage to wing tip. Some recreational tail wheel aircraft can be difficult to "pin" in the three (3) point attitude during landing due to short moments, low weight and reduced control surface area. Pilots are reminded to seek out advice and further training with instructors who have significant relevant experience in aircraft that have unique handling characteristics.
8/10/2016	OCC0775	Moe	VIC	Tecnam	P2002 Sierra	Rotax	912 ULS	A pre-flight check was carried out, including wing tank fuel drains and gascolator drain completed. ...
A pre-flight check was carried out, including wing tank fuel drains and gascolator drain completed. The aircraft departed, approximately 30 minutes later, cruising at 2500 ft a severe vibration and partial loss of engine power occurred. Carburetor heat was applied, fuel pump turned on, addition fuel tank selected with no improvement. The aircraft was then set up for best glide speed and a 'Mayday' call put out to Melbourne Centre informing them of the current situation. Trouble shooting during descent over the potential forced landing area a strong smell of fuel inside the cabin area was noted which indicated to the pilot that a needle and seat or a needle jet in one of the two carburetors was possibly stuck open or blocked flooding two cylinders causing the engine to run rough and vibrate. After descending 2000 ft over 3 minutes with carburettor heat, the fuel pump still on, the throttle continuously manipulated and the engine still vibrating, engine power was suddenly reinstated and the engine began running smooth again, carburettor heat control was put to cold. Melbourne Centre was notified that the aircraft was running smooth again and that the aircraft was returning to YLTV. The aircraft landed with no further incident. OUTCOME: Technical Manager reviewed report. Owner has had the aircraft inspected by a L2 and has not been able to replicate the fault further. All service bulletins for Rotax and Tecnam have been complied with. The aircraft has flown in excess of 15 hours since the event with no further issues.
6/10/2016	OCC0771	Sunshine Coast	QLD	The Airplane Factory	Sling 2	Rotax	912	Flying into YBSU, the pilot was given instructions to join downwind RWY 36 and report at Mount Coolu...
Flying into YBSU, the pilot was given instructions to join downwind RWY 36 and report at Mount Coolum. At Mount Coolum the pilot received instruction to make a short approach. The pilot misinterpreted this instruction as a short approach onto RWY 18. OUTCOME: The pilot has noted a need for further training prior to flights into the airspace due to lack of familiarity, low experience and a busy environment with high traffic levels. This resulted in the pilot misunderstanding the instructions provided.
5/10/2016	OCC0770	Emerald	QLD	Thruster	T300	Rotax	582	While conducting a landing, following the touch and having just applied power to go again, the right...
While conducting a landing, following the touch and having just applied power to go again, the right (starboard) main spring gave out and the pod dropped onto the grass (the pilot was using the grass part of the runway). Most of the momentum had the weight forward so the fibreglass pod bore the brunt of the deceleration. As it stopped the weight came back and the starboard wingtip sat on the grass. OUTCOME: This is an older heritage aircraft that is suspected to have had a prior heavy landing. The crack occurred over of a period of time and was in a difficult position to visually identify. It appears that this area wasn't thoroughly inspected during routine maintenance. Maintenance and period inspection will be carried out by the owner in this area and on subsequent maintenance inspections.
5/10/2016	OCC0773	Wiluna	WA	Jabiru	J 230	Jabiru	3300A	After inspecting the landing area the aircraft made a normal approach from the West and touched down...
After inspecting the landing area the aircraft made a normal approach from the West and touched down normally. The plane started to veer to the left after approx. 70m, the pilot had applied full right rudder in but it kept veering to the left. The pilot applied brake with the aircraft still veering to the left. The aircraft ran off the landing area hitting a tree and knocking the left wing off. The aircraft came to a stop and fuel was going everywhere. After the pilot exited the aircraft caught fire. OUTCOME: Investigation has determined that the most likely cause of this incident was landing on a flat tyre.
2/10/2016	OCC0778	Edgeroi	NSW	Tecnam	Sierra p 2002	Rotax	912 ULS	Landings were being conducted on a local farm strip. Whilst turning the aircraft around to line up t...
Landings were being conducted on a local farm strip. Whilst turning the aircraft around to line up the aircraft hit a Rutter of a vehicle causing it to pitch forward and allowed the prop to hit the ground damaging one of the paddles on the propeller. OUTCOME: Aircraft was landing on a dirt strip and the pilot was not as mindful of the different conditions a dirt strip presents compared to other tarred surfaces. After the prop strike the propeller and the aircraft gearbox have been inspected and rectified.
28/9/2016	OCC0769	Private Strip Beerwah	QLD	ICP Savannah	XL	Rotax	912 UL-S	The wind was 10 kts gusting to 15 kts from WSW. The pilot was landing on a tree lined strip when abo...
The wind was 10 kts gusting to 15 kts from WSW. The pilot was landing on a tree lined strip when about 50 ft from ground and starting round out the aircraft was hit with a strong gust from the left which weather-cocked the aircraft towards the trees. The pilot applied power and right aileron to roll the aircraft away from contacting the trees but was unable to prevent the right wing tip hitting the ground. The aircraft then rolled to the left, hitting the left wing tip and causing the nose-wheel leg to fold up. The aircraft came to rest with the nose on the ground. Passenger compartment remained totally intact and no injuries were sustained. OUTCOME: Loss of control on landing due to wind conditions and terrain which were assessed by CFI, but were not managed appropriately. Contributing factors include overconfidence due to familiarity with the location and previous experience of similar meteorological conditions combined with self imposed pressure to return to the aircraft home base at the completion of the lesson.
28/9/2016	OCC0781	Wollongong Airport	NSW	Jabiru	LSA55/3J	Jabiru	2200	The pilot had taken the aircraft up for a few circuits, RWY16 operative. The pilot was lined up well...
The pilot had taken the aircraft up for a few circuits, RWY16 operative. The pilot was lined up well on late final at the end of the first circuit. Experiencing some sink the pilot applied power. When satisfied with position went to pull the throttle lever back to closed, however was unable to shut the power off. As they toggled the throttle lever back, between 100% and about 60% open, the pilot could feel the lever was suffering some mechanical interference. Rather than open the throttle full and assume it would remain like that to sustain a 'go around', and as there was a lot of runway in front of the aircraft, they took the decision to knock the 'mags' off and land the aircraft. The 'mags' were switched off, the propellor stopped in the 9:3 position. The aircraft was quite unsettled and the landing was difficult resulting in some bouncing, on about the third bounce the nose wheel assembly partially collapsed. The aircraft stopped without further incident. OUTCOME: On review of the incident, the pilot identified that the RHS of the throttle lock bracket was impeding the free movement of the throttle lever. However, it was easy also to avoid the interference running the throttle lever from full to closed repeatedly without any interference (which had always been their previous experience). In the flight the pilot identified that they must have been pulling the lever to the right rather than centrally and if they had looked down they would have seen the issue and corrected the matter. However, the pilot kept their vision forward as the aircraft was so close to the ground, thinking that the interference of the throttle (wrongly) was perhaps with a linkage around the carburettor.
26/9/2016	OCC0764	Springsure	QLD	Best Off	Nynja Skyranger	Rotax	912uls	Pre-start checks had been completed. The engine was hard to start and the pilot had used choke. Once...
Pre-start checks had been completed. The engine was hard to start and the pilot had used choke. Once the engine did start, it started at extremely high RPM (throttle was closed). The aircraft took off forward 30m and ran into a pile of steel and the engine stopped. OUTCOME: Due to reverse throttle use in dozers and other heavy machinery, the pilot set full open throttle for start rather than fully closed. As a result the aircraft started moving as soon as the engine started and struck a pile of steel. The pilot has advised he intends to label the throttle positions, and ensure the mag switches are used to shut down the engine in the event of a recurrence. The aircraft engine was assessed for damage appropriately for a propeller strike and other repairs as required.
23/9/2016	OCC0762	Redcliffe Airfield	QLD	Tecnam	Eaglet	Rotax	912	Returning from a training flight from Gympie to Redcliffe Airfield. The instructor and student overf...
Returning from a training flight from Gympie to Redcliffe Airfield. The instructor and student overflew Redcliffe to check wind direction, then student gave a call joining the circuit on cross wind for RWY 25. After that they heard a call from another aircraft that they were Beachmere at 1500' and descending to 1000' (5NM out) to join base. The instructor and student were late downwind, ready to prepare for base, when the other aircraft radioed if they had the visual. To their surprise the other aircraft was coming from their left to join straight into base. The instructor had to take over and turn away as they felt the other aircraft was too close. OUTCOME: The CFI of the operating school was contacted and requested to advise all company pilots to consider avoiding base leg joins due to the high density training operations at this Aerodrome and in any case to ensure that correct adherence to give way rules for existing circuit was observed.
22/9/2016	OCC0809	23NM North of Rockhampton	QLD	Jabiru	J230D	Jabiru	3300A	Whilst tracking North (23NM from Rockhampton for Townsville) at 4500ft as per flight plan, the aircr...
Whilst tracking North (23NM from Rockhampton for Townsville) at 4500ft as per flight plan, the aircraft was contacted by Brisbane centre requesting clarification of altitude as the aircraft was approaching class C controlled airspace. The pilot responded that the altimeter was indicating 4500 however when the transponder was switched to Alt Display it indicated 4600ft. The response was to promptly descend to about 4200ft to ensure separation from Class C controlled airspace. OUTCOME: Pilot was flying at exactly the CTA step lower limit, and did not allow for maximum permissible calibration error in instruments. Later it was determined there was 100 feet difference in reading between the altimeter and the transponder. Pilots are reminded that although tolerances for CTA have been revised to requiring the pilot to remain clear, allowing for instrument error is an advisable protocol.
22/9/2016	OCC0761	Gayndah	QLD	Jabiru	J230	Jabiru	3300A	Engine failure as a result of fuel exhaustion. Pilot has completed this flight regularly without the...
Engine failure as a result of fuel exhaustion. Pilot has completed this flight regularly without the need for refuelling. Fuel exhaustion lead to the pilot successfully carrying out a forced landing in a paddock. Landing was completed with only damage being to the wheel covers and crack in right wheel leg. OUTCOME: Aircraft experienced an engine failure due to fuel exhaustion as a result of familiarity with a regularly flown routine flight. The pilot has now amended fuel management processes to include an interim refuelling point and will dip fuel tanks every time the plane is used rather than relying on fuel gauges alone.