Occurrences

Date	Occurrence #	Location	State	Aircraft	Model	Engine	Model	Summary
27/11/2016	OCC0844	Truro (Private strip)	SA	Skyfox Aviation	Gazelle Ca25n	Rotax	912	While conducting touch and goes the aircraft touched down and started to roll when the pilot noticed...
While conducting touch and goes the aircraft touched down and started to roll when the pilot noticed the wind sock had changed, showing the wind to be gusting in an S W direction. The pilot decided they were too far down the RWY to take off again so attempted to slow the aircraft, throttle back and braking, however the tailwind was too strong. At the end of the RWY was a taxiway which the pilot attempted to turn on to but the wind pushed the rolling plane against a low cyclone sheep fence as the aircraft turned. OUTCOME: Pilot was conducting several "touch and go's" on a private strip and did not notice the wind had changed into a quartering tailwind. The pilot attempted to stop the aircraft however over ran the strip and impacted with a fence. The pilot noted that he should have monitored the wind direction more closely during the landings.
25/11/2016	OCC0856	Hedlow Aerodrome (Rockhampton)	QLD	Airborne Windsports	Edge X 912	Rotax	912 UL	Fatal Accident involving RAAus member and passenger. RAAus accident consultants are assisting police...
Fatal Accident involving RAAus member and passenger. RAAus accident consultants are assisting police in determining the causal factors that led to the accident. A special Enews was sent out to members to inform them of the events http://www.vision6.com.au/em/message/email/view.php?id=1255251&u=70000&k=qu2fC0KuNRfQjgBl3liwmAQCTj3AGLPT3BhimQnR4Xk Update: During a routine flight training exercise in a weightshift aircraft it appears the CFI and student were involved in a loss of control event while on approach to the airport. While RAAus assisted police with the preliminary investigation, the Coroner elected to utilise a third party to create the final report and at the request of the family has not publicly released a final report. RAAus preliminary investigations revealed no airworthiness issues with the aircraft nor concerns about the compliance, competence and currency of the pilots aboard. As a general safety statement pilots of weight shift aircraft can significantly reduce risk when operating these aircraft by ensuring forecast weather conditions for the expected duration of the flight are within their capabilities and they are familiar with the characteristics of the aircraft wing and performance. RAAus continues to work collaboratively with other organisations to ensure training in weightshift aircraft is relative to the advances in weightshift aircraft design and performance. RAAus also works collaboratively with the Australian Transportation and Safety Bureau and local municipalities to investigate recreational aviation related fatalities. In this particular instance the Coroners actions have excluded RAAus from carrying out this function.
25/11/2016	OCC0933	Chinchilla	QLD	ICP	Savannah S	Rotax	912	Due to bushfire smoke the pilot was unable to get visual land marks until virtually over the top of ...
Due to bushfire smoke the pilot was unable to get visual land marks until virtually over the top of them, as a result map reading became virtually impossible. This coupled with the failure of a backup GPS plus an increase in the severity of the turbulence resulted in the pilot became uncertain of their position, therefore rather than letting the situation progress to a more dangerous situation and as the aircraft was transponder mode S equipped, requested assistance from Brisbane Centre and Radar Vector. The pilot was vectored to circuit area Chinchilla where the aircraft landed safely. OUTCOME: This is a classic "Swiss cheese" scenario pilots should be aware of when managing flights in smoke affected areas. While the pilot noted he was only using GPS for assistance and all navigation was completed using basic navigation and dead reckoning practices, increased smoke in the area was a major factor for a potential flight into IMC conditions. The lessons here for all pilots is to consider smoke haze as a similar hazard to cloud when planning flights. The pilot completed appropriate actions and prevented the holes in the “Swiss cheese” from lining up by engaging the assistance of Airservices which resulted in a positive outcome.
23/11/2016	OCC0835	Binalong	NSW	Skyfox Aviation	Skyfox Ca22	Rotax	912	Whilst taxiing the aircraft, on a paddock strip in relatively long grass, the tail wheel did not rel...
Whilst taxiing the aircraft, on a paddock strip in relatively long grass, the tail wheel did not release when turning. Consequently the propeller impacted thistles damaging propeller tips. The pilot had walked the intended path for taxi and take off prior to taxiing. OUTCOME: While taxiing in a friends paddock for departure, the tail wheel aircraft did not turn as expected, resulting in the propeller impacting thistles and damaging the tips of the blades. Pilot admitted his mistake and will ensure the paddock is slashed to ensure vegetation is cleared prior to future flights.
18/11/2016	OCC0828	West Sale	VIC	Aeroprakt	A22LS Foxbat	Rotax	912IS	Aircraft was readied for flight with a thorough pre-flight conducted prior to starting up, aircraft ...
Aircraft was readied for flight with a thorough pre-flight conducted prior to starting up, aircraft was started and pre-take off checks completed, oil temp was at 65 degrees on commencement of the take off roll. As the aircraft became airborne it began losing thrust and stalled from about, 5ft striking the tail wheel first destroying it. Power was then returning causing loss of direction control until the pilot closed the throttle whilst heading for a drainage ditch. The pilot braked heavily and a partial ground loop was initiated causing the left wing tip to scrape the ground, front nose wheel dropped in to a hole while turning just prior to stopping bending the nose gear leg. On inspection of the aircraft back in the hangar it was noted that the propeller, whilst rotating it by hand, was notchy indicating a possibly bearing failure/gearbox failure had occurred causing the initial loss of thrust on take-off (there was no propeller strike during the incident). OUTCOME: Manufacturer provided an engine tear down card as no actual engine tear down report was completed. The engine tear down card states that no fault with the mechanical or electrical data was found during the inspection. The engine has been returned to the owner for installation.
18/11/2016	OCC0838	Wagga Wagga	NSW	Tecnam	Echo Super	Rotax	912 ULS	After a normal take off, during the climb the propeller stopped or almost stopped sufficiently to se...
After a normal take off, during the climb the propeller stopped or almost stopped sufficiently to see the prop blade. There ensued a very large vibration causing a shake in the plane. The vibration was severe and the plane began to lose height. A quick check was made by the pilot which confirmed that the oil pressure was bottom of the green and oil temperature was into the yellow. The pilot then reduced to about 2500 RPM, the vibration decreased and the pilot increased to 2800 RPM and pushed the nose down a bit at the same time. Once the pilot was sure the engine was operating normally they resumed the climb and continued to their destination. When the aircraft levelled out all the gauges were green. OUTCOME: Technical Manager liaised with the LAME/ L2. After inspection of the aircraft it was determined that the initial issue related to gearbox which has been rectified with no other defects detected. No other issues have been identified. The aircraft engine is currently over TTIS and requires the engine to be overhauled. Members are reminded of the importance of completing scheduled maintenance and overhaul processes on time.
18/11/2016	OCC0829	Portland Airport	VIC	Jabiru	J160C	Jabiru	2200	The pilot had conducted three circuits. On the final leg of the circuit approach from base at 700 f...
The pilot had conducted three circuits. On the final leg of the circuit approach from base at 700 ft maintaining at 60 to 65 kt. The aircraft ballooned after contact with the ground and struck hard on second contact. The heavy landing broke the front wheel spat, a part of which fell off aircraft onto the RWY. The pilot detected that the spat was damaged on return to hangar and contacted airport groundsman of the potential hazard on the RWY. OUTCOME: Report has been reviewed by RAAus Operations. The pilot stated that they reduced power too fast in the flare and did not apply or maintain sufficient power during ballooning period maintain flight.
18/11/2016	OCC0827	Tamworth Airport	NSW	Evektor	SportStar	Rotax	912 ULS	During circuit training the instructor intended to conduct EFATO training as a lead up to a pre-solo...
During circuit training the instructor intended to conduct EFATO training as a lead up to a pre-solo check session. All five preceding 'touch and go's', including two glide approaches, were normal and of an increasingly proficient standard. The Instructors intention on the full stop was to vacate by the first taxiway to minimise time on the RWY to assist with traffic in the circuit. The aircraft overshot the first taxiway and was still carrying a little power as the aircraft overshot the second taxiway. The brakes began to fade to the point of having no brake. The aircraft was still rolling at the end of the runway which necessitated departing the runway to the left into long grass. The aircraft was recovered successfully to the runway under its own power. OUTCOME: Instructor did not manage students final approach to ensure sufficient runway remained for landing.
17/11/2016	OCC0834	The Oaks	NSW	Foxbat	A22	Rotax	912S	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: DEFECT: Two cracks detected on both doubler plates on carry t...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: DEFECT: Two cracks detected on both doubler plates on carry through rear spar channel, 90 degree bracket riveted onto inside of fuselage to carry through spar channel. Left side has one defined crack and to its right a small less defined crack, on the right hand bracket there are two fine cracks in the same area. The airframe has 3600 hours and this aircraft has been used for training its whole life. Also this aircraft was involved in an accident in Port Macquarie where its left wing impacted the ground after the nose leg was damaged following a heavy landing. OUTCOME: This aircraft has previously been involved in an accident. The Australian agent believes that this accident is the possible cause for the crack developing. A repair process and parts are being supplied by the factory and repaired by a maintainer. Technical Manager has reviewed this report which is the first of its kind in this type of aircraft model.
16/11/2016	OCC0825	Orange Airport	NSW	Jabiru	J160	Jabiru	2200B	During early circuit training, a student on their first landing after a couple of weeks break lost d...
During early circuit training, a student on their first landing after a couple of weeks break lost directional control on landing roll due to the crosswind and rolled to runway edge striking a runway light. OUTCOME: RAAus Operations have reviewed this report. The loss of directional control was due to the inexperience of the student pilot in crosswinds. The student is continuing training with CFI.
14/11/2016	OCC0826	Lismore	NSW	Jabiru	J230-D	Jabiru	3300A	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: DEFECT: The aircraft transceiver has started to randomly flip...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: DEFECT: The aircraft transceiver has started to randomly flip-flop the standby frequency with the active frequency for no apparent reason. This has occurred once or twice at any stage of flight. OUTCOME: Member has contacted the manufacturer directly due to this aircraft being a LSA. RAAus have this as the first recorded defect on this aircraft type and will liaise with the manufacturer if more reports of this nature are received.
13/11/2016	OCC0881	Woodstock Airstrip	QLD	Arion Aircraft	Lightning LS1	Camit	3300A	After touchdown, during the rollout, the nose wheel collapsed which also caused the Emergency Locato...
After touchdown, during the rollout, the nose wheel collapsed which also caused the Emergency Locator Beacon (ELT) to activate. AMSA was notified that this was a minor incident with no injuries reported. OUTCOME: The PIC advised that the nose wheel hinge block is only 140 mm off the ground. On rough strips the available suspension is limited, causing excessive stress on the nose wheel hinge junction. This is believed to be the common contributing factor to both this and a previous accident for this aircraft with different PICs. The PIC advised that operationally the nose wheel was held off appropriately and was not a consideration in this accident. RAAus Technical Manager also reviewed the report and advises members that as an experimental aircraft its the responsibility for the builder/owner to review and/or make necessary changes to address a particular fault. This aircraft is also made under the LSA process and there have been no other reported failures similar to this incident and will therefore continue to monitor for further incidents of this nature.
12/11/2016	OCC0818	Oxley Island	NSW	Drifter	Maxair xp	rotax	503	The aircraft preformed a forced landing in paddock due to mechanical failure from a broken throttle ...
The aircraft preformed a forced landing in paddock due to mechanical failure from a broken throttle cable. Where the throttle cable passes through the floor there was a sharp angle in the cable, and the outer cable had a slight kink in it, which caused wear on the inner cable (causing it to break). OUTCOME: RAAus Technical Manager has review the report and reminds members who are owners of 19 amateur built aircraft that they are also required to conduct pre-flight inspections and appropriate maintenance.
12/11/2016	OCC0820	2km South of Miling	WA	Jabiru	J170D	Jabiru	2200	A mechanical failure of the engine occurred during a cross country training flight, resulting in an ...
A mechanical failure of the engine occurred during a cross country training flight, resulting in an emergency landing in an outfield. The engine presented no signs of any issues and all temps and pressures were well within operating standards at the time of the engine failure. OUTCOME: Engine appears to have No. 4 piston collapse with conrod or big end impacting crankcase internals. Engine will be sent to manufacturer (LSA) to conduct a strip down and the surviving pistons will be crack checked by Aerospace NDI company. LSA aircraft which comes under ATSM standard with CASA.
12/11/2016	OCC0819	Between Caboolture airport and Bribie Island	QLD	Aeroprakt	A32 Vixxen	Rotax	912 ULS	After leveling out at 1500ft the aircraft hit a patch of light to moderate turbulence, the passenger...
After leveling out at 1500ft the aircraft hit a patch of light to moderate turbulence, the passenger side door flew open and then sprung back inside the cabin jamming in the door frame. Pilot has suggested that a probable causes was due to the door flexing in the turbulence which allowed the front of the door to open slightly into airstream with the precipitating wind force overpowering the door latch. OUTCOME: RAAus Technical Manager has reviewed this report and liaised with the LSA Manufacturer who is addressing the problem and an additional type lock or bracket has been suggested. The LSA manufacturer will be notifying all affected owners.