Date |
Occurrence # |
Location |
State |
Aircraft |
Model |
Engine |
Model |
Summary |
22/10/2016 |
OCC0842 |
George Town Airport |
TAS |
Jabiru |
55 LSA |
Jabiru |
2.2 |
During the first circuit of the day the top engine cowling departed the aircraft.
OUTCOME: The orig...
|
During the first circuit of the day the top engine cowling departed the aircraft.
OUTCOME: The originating cause of the cowl separation could not be determined but the CFI conducted an independent inspection and confirmed the pin locking system was secured in the pre-flight cross check. In interviewing the CFI it could not be clearly excluded that the clasp fastenings were correctly secured under the retainers prior to flight. The cowl has never been located, so further investigation cannot be undertaken at this time. It is essential that all pilots and particularly instructors lead by example in timely reporting of all incidents or accidents in accordance with ATSB and Operations Manual requirements. |
21/10/2016 |
OCC0800 |
Condobolin |
NSW |
Jabiru |
J200 |
Camit |
3300 |
An oil leak was noticed during flight. Upon inspection after landing an approximately 10 mm split in...
|
An oil leak was noticed during flight. Upon inspection after landing an approximately 10 mm split in the oil filter was found.
OUTCOME: This report has been reviewed by RAAus and logged for any recurrence - the filter was replaced, inspected and tested before the flight continued. |
21/10/2016 |
OCC0789 |
Toorbul |
QLD |
Texan |
Texan |
Rotax |
912 ULS |
Departed YCRD with 52 L fuel feeding from both tanks. Proceeded directly to YRED arriving and perfor...
|
Departed YCRD with 52 L fuel feeding from both tanks. Proceeded directly to YRED arriving and performed two touch and go circuits. The right side fuel warning light flickered intermittently but knowing they left YCDR 52 litres the pilot was not concerned. The pilot had also completed many left hand turns. On return from YRED to YCRD the pilot momentarily smelled fuel. At 1400ft the engine began to run rough, then surging and then stopped. At this point the right side warning light was illuminated continually but the left side indicated over half full. The pilot declared a 'MAYDAY' and proceeded to run through the forced landing procedure with the intention of landing in a field. Prior to shutting fuel off, the pilot attempted a restart the engine, which was successful. Having power back the pilot gained some altitude which enabled them to land at nearby Hazelton safely. Upon landing the pilot checked both tanks and the right side tank was completely empty and left side had approximately 30L. It appears that fuel was feed from the right tank the entire flight although both fuel cocks were confirmed as on prior to take off from YCDR. The 'MAYDAY' was cancelled and when the pilot returned to the aircraft (approximately 15 minutes later) found the 30 remaining litres of fuel had equalised in both tanks.
OUTCOME: The probable primary cause has been identified as fuel starvation due to unbalanced turning flight and un-porting of fuel cells during a range of left turn biased flight exercises. |
19/10/2016 |
OCC0784 |
Gawler Airfield |
SA |
Jabiru |
J170D |
Jabiru |
2200B |
An aircraft was backtracking on the RWY after landing and another aircraft was on final. The aircraf...
|
An aircraft was backtracking on the RWY after landing and another aircraft was on final. The aircraft that was backtracking had only just turned off and vacated the RWY when the second aircraft touched down to the same position that had recently been vacated.
OUTCOME: All pilots are reminded to err on the side of caution to avoid runway proximity incidents, reliance on radio, incorrect procedures, limitations in visual scanning and inattention can all contribute to possible proximity events in the circuit area. Command thinking is a key component of good airmanship and assertive decision making (to reduce risk when a risk is identified) is paramount. When any doubt exists regarding the safety of continuing an approach the only decision should be to conduct a missed approach as early as possible. |
19/10/2016 |
OCC0785 |
South Grafton Aerodrome |
NSW |
Morgan |
Sierra |
Jabiru |
3300A |
On short final the pilot followed procedure as prescribed in the POH. The aircraft was flown down t...
|
On short final the pilot followed procedure as prescribed in the POH. The aircraft was flown down to a flare height of a couple of feet and began slowing for touchdown by adding back pressure to the stick. The pilot felt the main wheels touch the seal and added more back pressure to the stick. The aircraft rose and the pilot held the stick steady. The nose then dropped suddenly and the nosewheel struck the tarmac. The propeller hit the tarmac, the pilot pulled back a bit and it rose and dropped again, this time the nosewheel fully collapsed and the aircraft skidded to a halt.
OUTCOME: Pilot approached at a higher airspeed than normal and did not allow the aircraft to reduce speed before touching down resulting in the aircraft becoming airborne again. On touching down again, the nose leg collapsed and the propeller was damaged. Pilot has since completed refresher flights in the type to prevent a recurrence and will conduct further flights in another aircraft of the same type to ensure familiarity with landing configuration. The engine will be assessed while the aircraft is repaired. |
18/10/2016 |
OCC0787 |
Bundaberg |
QLD |
Jabiru |
J160-C |
|
|
DEFECT: On prefight inspection oil was detected around the nose wheel. The cowl was removed which sh...
|
DEFECT: On prefight inspection oil was detected around the nose wheel. The cowl was removed which showed residues of oil. Further investigation showed that aircraft had a broken bottom front stud on the right hand front cylinder.
OUTCOME: This issue is covered by Service Bulletin JSB031-1, further revised in issue 2 and 3. The manufacturer initially carried out work completed at that time. When follow up on revisions 2 and 3 were carried out by a LAME, the log book entry had been incorrectly interpreted as being compliant. RAAus advises all maintainers to enter all maintenance work carried out into log books precisely, therefore leaving no room for incorrect interpretation. |
17/10/2016 |
OCC0783 |
SW of Fort Cooper |
QLD |
Jabiru |
J230D |
Jabiru |
3300A |
The aircraft experienced a sudden and total engine failure and consequently landed on a dirt road.
...
|
The aircraft experienced a sudden and total engine failure and consequently landed on a dirt road.
OUTCOME: This aircraft experienced an engine failure which has had an partial engine examination conducted by the manufacturer. The aircraft is a LSA and as such this information has been provided to CASA who oversee manufacturers under the American Society of Testing/ Manufacturing (ASTM) Standards. |
15/10/2016 |
OCC0942 |
New England |
NSW |
Tecnam |
P2004 Bravo |
Rotax |
912 ULS |
After departing YKMP the aircraft climbed out to the NW and inadvertently entered SW side of Class C...
|
After departing YKMP the aircraft climbed out to the NW and inadvertently entered SW side of Class C airspace. The pilot exited Class C as soon as they became aware of the incursion.
OUTCOME: The PIC self-assessed their actions stating that the flight had an unexpected departure from original flight plan. By not revising the flight plan to accommodate for a new position it led to a breakdown of situational awareness. The reporter suggested that pilots should fly to the flight plan, or revise flight plan, before continuing. |
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. |