Occurrences

Date	Occurrence #	Location	State	Aircraft	Model	Engine	Model	Summary
26/1/2017	OCC0896	Lilydale Airport	VIC	Pipistrel	Virus SW	Rotax	912 ULS	During a routine landing, the aircraft airspeed was too slow resulting in a sudden drop from 5-10ft ...
During a routine landing, the aircraft airspeed was too slow resulting in a sudden drop from 5-10ft onto the tricycle undercarriage causing damage to all three wheels, due to ensuing stall. On impact the aircraft slewed to the right and ran off onto grass, where it came to a stop. OUTCOME: While conducting a short field approach, using a glide approach and dive brakes (as per aircraft POH) the pilot did not manage the airspeed, attempted to stretch the glide and the aircraft stalled just above the ground, with insufficient height to conduct a go-around. The aircraft undercarriage and fairings were damaged and a possible propeller strike occurred.
26/1/2017	OCC0908	Orbost Airport	VIC	Jabiru	J160C	Jabiru	2200	Shortly after landing in a cross wind, the aircraft suddenly veered left while still traveling appro...
Shortly after landing in a cross wind, the aircraft suddenly veered left while still traveling approximately 50kt. This sharp turn resulted in the aircraft rolling to starboard and running off LH side of strip onto shoulder. As the pilot corrected and turned right, the prop struck the tarmac, due to being lower to ground, and as a result of aircraft rolling onto two wheels. OUTCOME: While landing at a tarmac airport, the pilot, who had previously been trained at a grass aerodrome, may not have corrected for the crosswind, and straightened the nose wheel prior to touching down. The pilot is completing further revision of cross wind technique and landing at hard surfaced runways. Pilots are reminded of the RAAus Runway - Loss of Control videos for further education about these issues https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vg_Ix4UPJ3c
26/1/2017	OCC0909	The Vale Airstrip	TAS	Pipistrel	Virus SW 100is	Rotax	912is	After landing the pilot was taxiing to parking area in the paddock. As the aircraft is a tail dragge...
After landing the pilot was taxiing to parking area in the paddock. As the aircraft is a tail dragger the pilot needed to zig zag for visual reference. On this occasion the pilot did not see a 'witches hat' that had been placed on a post next to the laneway. When the pilot turned off the laneway to park, the propellor struck the bottom weight (5kg) of the 'witches hat' that was approximately 500mm off the ground. The pilot immediately applied both brakes which caused the aircraft to stand on its nose, breaking the spinner and lower engine cowling. One propellor blade broke off at hub, because of either the 'witches hat' or the ground strike. OUTCOME: While taxiing at a private airstrip, the pilot of the tail dragger aircraft failed to notice a 'witches hat' and once struck, applied excessive braking, causing the aircraft to pitch over and strike the propeller. Pilots are reminded of the importance of keeping a good lookout while taxiing and manoeuvring are required to clear the taxiing path ahead of the aircraft.
26/1/2017	OCC0901	North Stradbroke Island	QLD	X-Air	Hanuman	Rotax	912 UL	The pilot wanted to climb to gain more height so increased the throttle, as the revs were increasing...
The pilot wanted to climb to gain more height so increased the throttle, as the revs were increasing the motor started to cough and splutter. When the pilot backed off, the revs were perfect again indicating a fuel blockage somewhere around the 5000 rev range. The pilot thought it may be icing as well but as they were trying to work it out they were losing height and had to land on the beach. The landing was uneventful. OUTCOME: After an investigation of the engine issues the pilot identified that they had inadvertently added contaminated fuel. Member identified that they should use a funnel when re-fuelling their aircraft.
25/1/2017	OCC0907	Latrobe Regional Airport	VIC	Tecnam	P92 Eaglet	Rotax	912	The oil cap was left off the aircraft during routine pre-flight inspection. The issue was not found ...
The oil cap was left off the aircraft during routine pre-flight inspection. The issue was not found until following days flying. OUTCOME: RAAus has reviewed this report and no further action required. Members are advised to ensure that appropriate attention is paid (minimise distractions) when conducting pre-flight inspections of aircraft.
25/1/2017	OCC0917	Archer Falls	QLD	Arions	Lighting	Jabiru	3300	Just as the aircraft was about to touch down two large grey kangaroos ran onto the RWY and confronte...
Just as the aircraft was about to touch down two large grey kangaroos ran onto the RWY and confronted each other on the center line of the strip about 60-100 meters ahead. The pilot applied thrust get airborne again and attempt another touchdown in the remaining runway. The second touchdown was firm resulting in a prop strike and other damage. The aircraft was wings level throughout this manoeuver ending up a little left of runway center on shutdown. OUTCOME: The pilot was unable to execute a safe go around due to kangaroos on the runway and had insufficient stopping distance after avoiding a collision to safely stop the aircraft. Pilots are reminded of the dangers of wildlife incursions at private landing areas where limited recovery options are available.
25/1/2017	OCC0986	Private Airfield, Kalkite	NSW	Evektor	Harmony	Rotax	914 ULS	The pilot overflew the field prior to landing and the windsock showed close to no wind. During appro...
The pilot overflew the field prior to landing and the windsock showed close to no wind. During approach the pilot also checked ground speed and airspeed, there was a difference of 4kts (back-wind). When the aircraft came to flare the pilot didn’t realize that a strong gust from the back didn’t let the aircraft down. When the aircraft came to touch down it was deep in the field and could not stop. Contact was made with a fence with the left wing and the whole aircraft turned around. The left wheel broke of and the right wing also hit the fence. Outcome: The pilot acknowledged that flying below 500' AGL over areas such as Mt Kosciusko represented increased risk, had the potential to bring RAAus into disrepute and agreed to cease the practice immediately. The flight was also non compliant as the pilot had a lapsed BFR and further upon landing the pilot over ran his private landing area causing significant damage to the aircraft. The pilot has effectively been grounded due to the aircraft damage and has not undertaken further flight. A comprehensive flight review including aircraft handling, decision making and other Human factors considerations was directed by Operations prior to further command flight.
25/1/2017	OCC0899	Wynyard	TAS	Jabiru	LSA 55	Jabiru	2200A	Soon after touchdown the pilot heard a light cracking sound and the right wing dropped slightly. The...
Soon after touchdown the pilot heard a light cracking sound and the right wing dropped slightly. The pilot assumed that there was a problem with the undercarriage and immediately put the stick hard to the left and eased in right rudder to take the weight of the right wheel. Turning of the RWY onto the grass the aircraft completely stopped just before the wing touched lightly onto the grass as the broken undercarriage bracket let the undercarriage leg twist forward. Outcome: The Technical Manager has discussed the issue with the owner. This issue has subsequently been referred to CASA as the aircraft is type certified.
21/1/2017	OCC0889	Devonport	TAS	Jabiru	LSA55/2K	Jabiru	2200	The aircraft bounced hard on landing in a crosswind, resulting in a collapsed nose wheel mounting. ...
The aircraft bounced hard on landing in a crosswind, resulting in a collapsed nose wheel mounting. OUTCOME: Runway Loss of Control accident by student pilot on second series of supervised solo circuits. Pilot handling skills, combined with changing crosswind conditions, were significant contributing factors in this accident.
16/1/2017	OCC0892	Coffs Harbour Airport	NSW	tecnam	p2002	rotax	912	Upon return to the airport after landing, and just before exiting RWY03, it became apparent that the...
Upon return to the airport after landing, and just before exiting RWY03, it became apparent that the aircraft had a main right flat tyre. The aircraft exited the runway into taxiway Delta. The airport safety officer towed the aircraft back to the hanger. OUTCOME: RAAus Technical Manager has reviewed the report and no further action is required.
13/1/2017	OCC0878	Bathurst Airport	NSW	Bristell	S-LSA	ROTAX	912	Two aircraft were conducting RH Circuits on RWY35. Both aircraft had instructors on-board and were c...
Two aircraft were conducting RH Circuits on RWY35. Both aircraft had instructors on-board and were conducting ab-intio training. After completing a touch and go on RWY35 Aircraft (1) became airborne and, at about 300' AGL, the instructor noticed an aircraft (Aircraft 2) on a mid left base leg for RWY17 (the aircraft appeared to be flying a relatively tight circuit). The instructor of aircraft 1 attempted to contact the unknown Aircraft 2 immediately on Bathurst CTAF. However after no response was received the instructor took positive action by breaking left to avoid a potential collision. After turning onto final for RWY17 aircraft 2 continued it's approach and landed on the RWY however still with no radio acknowledgment. Once landed the pilot discovered that Aircraft 2 pilot made an apologetic call stating he had issues with their radio. OUTCOME: RAAus Operations Managers have reviewed this report with no further action is required by RAAus. Due to the other pilot being in a VH registered aircraft, the matter of the radio malfunction is referred to CASA for further action.
12/1/2017	OCC0877	Naracoorte	SA	Jabiru	SK	Jabiru	2.2	An aircraft landed on the closed RWY. The RWY was marked with closure markers (white crosses) as def...
An aircraft landed on the closed RWY. The RWY was marked with closure markers (white crosses) as defined by the Method of Work Practices (MOWP) and a NOTAM had been issued. OUTCOME: The pilot was aware of the requirement to obtain NOTAMs, however did not for this flight. He was also aware of the significance of the white crosses, however he did not observe these until late final. He did not conduct a go-around as he felt there was no conflict with the machinery. Pilot was counselled on the importance of obtaining and preplanning flights. He will ensure NOTAMs are obtained prior to future flights.
9/1/2017	OCC0872	Redcliffe Aerodrome	QLD	Tecnam	Eaglet	Rotax	912 ULS	When landing, as the aircraft nose wheel was lowered it collapsed causing the propellor to strike th...
When landing, as the aircraft nose wheel was lowered it collapsed causing the propellor to strike the ground and the aircraft to veer off the RWY, coming to rest with nose on the grass verge. OUTCOME: Owner has had the aircraft agent review the nose wheel, who have not been able to identified an apparent cause for the collapse. Consideration needs to be taken into account that the aircraft may have been involved in a prior flight with a hard landing which may have weakened the nose wheel structure. Reports on this type of aircraft nose wheel will continue to be monitored for recurrences of this type.
8/1/2017	OCC0893	Private Airfield approximately 20KM SE of Armidale Airport	NSW	Skyranger	V-Max	Rotax	503	On short finals for landing on a private airstrip, the aircraft experienced sink that was greater th...
On short finals for landing on a private airstrip, the aircraft experienced sink that was greater than anticipated. The aircraft landed heavily on an up-sloping portion of the airstrip. OUTCOME: Pilot conducted a self assessed and found that due to a lack of experience landing at the private airstrip and their currency led to the incident.
6/1/2017	OCC0875	Eviron	NSW	Tecnam	P-92-2000RG	Rotax	912 ULS	Flying from YSPT to YEVD, due to weather conditions the pilot turned to return to YSPT. Approaching ...
Flying from YSPT to YEVD, due to weather conditions the pilot turned to return to YSPT. Approaching Farrent's Hill, the pilot lowered the plane from 3500ft to 1500ft to accommodate YBCG controlled airspace and as the aircraft was crossing Farrents Hill the engine started to lose power. The pilot checked fuel/mags etc. to no avail, so then briefed the passenger as to what was happening and gave them emergency landing procedure/ advice. The pilot lowered the undercarriage and determined the final route, which was to try and land on Eviron Road. Unfortunately the pilot did not have the height and decided to land in the cane field. The pilot held the plane up for as long as possible to achieve the optimum stall speed. As the wheels got near the ground the left wing struck a mound to the left, causing the plane to pull to the left, this caused the undercarriage to dig in and collapse and the plane came to rest on its starboard side. The cabin was unaffected and the pilot and passenger were able to immediately the plane with minor injuries. OUTCOME: Engine failure and forced landing conducted as a result of suspected carburettor icing conditions while pilot was descending under idle power to avoid weather. The landing was partially successful but resulted in damage due to unidentified objects in cane field where aircraft landed. COMMENT: While this accident could simply be determined as an engine failure due to suspected icing conditions, it has it's origins further back in relation to flight planning and Human factors as well as aircraft management. Pilots are reminded to interpret weather reports prior to flight planning and make route decisions or decisions on conducting the flight based on expected hazards. Conditions were ideal for carburettor icing to occur on this day and this combined with an accelerated low power descent to avoid cloud build up in an aircraft that had no carburettor heating system led to this unfortunate but preventable engine failure. Pilots are further reminded that all carburettor equipped engines can suffer icing if conditions are probable and not managed appropriately, regardless of engine type or claimed resistance to the condition.