Occurrences

Date	Occurrence #	Location	State	Aircraft	Model	Engine	Model	Summary
6/6/2016	OCC0669	Bunbury	WA	Sonex	STD Gear	Revmaster aviation	R2300	Pilot grabbed the right hand brake (drum type) on taxiing which caused a nose over and total propell...
Pilot grabbed the right hand brake (drum type) on taxiing which caused a nose over and total propeller damage. The aircraft brakes have a history of grabbing which the pilot/ owner has historically managed to control with frequent cleaning and shaping of brake pads. Sonex have susequently replaced their brakes in new kits, with sideways button type actuation onto a flange bolted to the brake drum, and pilot/owner is looking at replacing them. OUTCOME: Technical Manager contacted the engine factory (VW type modified motor) who stated that a low RPM taxiing wooden prop strike, without sudden stoppage, generally are not a major occurrence. Owner/ maintainer did not require a bulk engine strip however conducted WOT ground trials, checked engine indicators and vibration as a precaution. Owner has replaced the drum brake assemblies from Azusa - the cause was a shearing of the single AN3 bolt that bolts the brake assembly inner plate to the titanium undercarriage legs. The linings were inspected and showed considerable wear, perhaps a contributing cause to the incident. Aircraft issues have been rectified and aircraft has returned to an airworthy state.
6/6/2016	OCC0672	Albany	WA	Jabiru	J170-C LSA	Jabiru	2200B	The aircraft engine failed while cross wind in the circuit off RWY32 at Albany Regional Airport (YAB...
The aircraft engine failed while cross wind in the circuit off RWY32 at Albany Regional Airport (YABA). There was an instantaneous loss of power accompanied by violent vibration. 'MAYDAY' was issued on the CTAF by the pilot who then closed the throttle (which reduced the vibration to a manageable level - engine continued to run but at ~idle power only). Carb heat and boost pump were already ON. Traffic taxiing on RWY32 announced they would hold on the threshold. The pilot got the nose down and turned left 150 degrees back towards the aerodrome and trimmed for best glide. Pilot landed on RWY32 without further incident. OUTCOME: On inspection of the aircraft it appears that the exhaust valve, #4 cylinder failed. The manufacturer has been notified who will identify the issue and provide feedback as required.
5/6/2016	OCC0668	Bellmere	QLD	Aeroprakt	A22 Foxbat	Rotax	912	Pilot and passenger were tracking East returning to Caboolture Aerodrome when the windscreen blew in...
Pilot and passenger were tracking East returning to Caboolture Aerodrome when the windscreen blew in and broke up without warning - simultaneously both doors blew open and also broke up. The pilot then made a 'MAYDAY' call and carried out a successful forced landing into a field. The landing resulted in suspected damage to the port main undercarriage. Both pilot and passenger exited the aircraft with no confirmed notable injuries. Pilot phoned for assistance and to cancel any Search and Rescue (SAR) efforts launched in response to the 'MAYDAY' transmission and also for recovery from the scene. OUTCOME: Both Operations and Technical departments reviewed this report: Operational elements: The training flight was conducted in marginal weather conditions with respect to wind, turbulence and expected VMC en route. The Senior instructor was interviewed in relation to flight planning and decision making in relation to the flight and confirmed that the navigation training exercise was conducted to assess the pilot's decision making and in flight assessment base on VMC criteria which was successfully executed. The in flight fracturing of the windscreen and associated airframe could not be directly related to any operational elements but investigation of the effects of wind shear and dynamic pressure changes may have been contributing factors outside the scope of the operations investigation. The flight actions by the crew following the in flight event were deemed satisfactory and performed to a high standard in relation to forced landing emergency procedures. Technical elements: The windscreen appears to have broken due to a combination of a few small cracks in the windshield (that were not addressed with a replacement of the screen) and the weather conditions. The small holes were stop drilled which is an acceptable practise. The weather played a considerable part in this incident. The factory and Australian agent have been only to willing to help and assist in the engineering or process to prevent this from happening again.
2/6/2016	OCC0927	Beebo	QLD	Skyfox Aviation	Skyfox Ca22	Rotax	912	Conducting first flight following 100hourly service by owner and repair to engine carburettors done ...
Conducting first flight following 100hourly service by owner and repair to engine carburettors done by an aircraft maintenance facility. The engine stopped in flight and the aircraft was brought to land by gliding without power. OUTCOME: The carburettors have been sent to Melbourne for review and nil defects were found.
30/5/2016	OCC0734	Holbrook	NSW	Owner Builder	3-4 scale of FW 190	Lycoming	0-320E3D	The right main undercarriage wheel jammed on landing due to a broken bolt from the split rim. This c...
The right main undercarriage wheel jammed on landing due to a broken bolt from the split rim. This caused a jamming of the disc brake that resulted in the right leg failing. There was mild damage to the wingtip however no structural damage. No injuries sustained by the pilot. OUTCOME: Loss of control during landing. No operational elements were identified during investigation with primary cause most likely mechanical. The reporter suggests regular inspection of split rim bolts in addition to normal pre-flight inspections.
28/5/2016	OCC0664	20 NM North of Moura	QLD	Minicab	G Y 201	Rolls Royce	0-200A	Low voltage (10.8V) alarm from EMS during flight. Pilot determined the alternator was not charging, ...
Low voltage (10.8V) alarm from EMS during flight. Pilot determined the alternator was not charging, leading to battery discharging during flight. The aircraft landed safely at Duaringa. No damage to the aircraft and the alternator and/or wiring will be examined to locate source of the fault. OUTCOME: After completing an investigation the maintainer found a wire detached from a crimp connector near the alternator. The maintainer reconnected the connector and the alternator commenced charging as it should. Maintainer suspects that the wire may have been disturbed when the new CHT and EGT probes were installed a few weeks prior.
28/5/2016	OCC0716	Caboolture	QLD	Cessna	C140	Continental	C-85-12F	A CFI and student were accelerating to take-off speed and about to become airborne when a 206 jump-p...
A CFI and student were accelerating to take-off speed and about to become airborne when a 206 jump-plane announced he was on final for RWY 30 and told them to abort their take off and give way to him. If they had have aborted the take-off they would have stopped at the intersection of 24/30. Therefore to avoid conflict, the CFI announced their take-off would be continuing on RWY 24. All other aircraft had been operating off RWY 24 and did so for the rest of the day. OUTCOME: A recreational aircraft and commercially operated C206 skydiving aircraft were involved in a circuit conflict when operating on runways tangential to each other. The recreational pilot elected to use the most into wind runway which was also in use by the majority of other operators at the time. This matter has been referred to CASA in relation to the actions of the VH registered aircraft involved.
27/5/2016	OCC0665	Benalla	VIC	Jabiru	J230-d LSA	Jabiru	J230-D	Pilot found that oil was leaking from the filter gasket which may have been due to the engine not be...
Pilot found that oil was leaking from the filter gasket which may have been due to the engine not being run or checked for leaks after an oil change. OUTCOME: The issue was correctly identified during the pre-flight inspection. Members are reminded to conduct an engine run and check for leaks after oil change (as was correctly conducted in this incident).This issue should be rectified simply by following the manufacture system of maintenance and also by purchasing the correct part from the manufacturer.
27/5/2016	OCC0662	Moorabbin Airport	VIC	BRM Aero	Bristell	Rotax	912	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: DEFECT: Upon rudder input (with pedals on either pilot or co-...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: DEFECT: Upon rudder input (with pedals on either pilot or co-pilots) and application of the opposite brake pedal, the pedal that is being depressed becomes over centre thus resulting in locked rudder control. This situation occurs easily when pedals are positioned in the closest and central position of the three position setup, serious loss or no control of the rudder could be the result. OUTCOME: The Technical Manager has addressed the maintenance issues with the previous maintainer of the aircraft. The manufacturer has supplied new parts to rectify the issue of the runner pedal and the other items listed in the defects such as the steering cable have also been replaced. The aircraft is currently operating in a training capacity with nil defects evident since.
26/5/2016	OCC0926	Beebo	QLD	Skyfox Aviation	Skyfox Ca22	Rotax	912 UL	Conducting first flight following 100hourly service by owner and repair to engine carburettors done ...
Conducting first flight following 100hourly service by owner and repair to engine carburettors done by an aircraft maintenance facility. The engine stopped in flight and the aircraft was brought to land by gliding without power. OUTCOME: The carburettors have been sent to Melbourne for review and nil defects were found.
26/5/2016	OCC0676	Sunshine Coast	QLD	Czech Sport Aircraft	Piper Sport	Rotax	912 ULS	During a routine training flight the aircraft suffered an engine failure on upwind just after take-o...
During a routine training flight the aircraft suffered an engine failure on upwind just after take-off on RWY30. An emergency was declared and the aircraft was returned back to the airfield for a safe landing on the main RWY18. It is unknown at this stage what caused the failure. The crew of the aircraft were completely uninjured and the aircraft suffered no additional damage beyond the engine problem. OUTCOME: Investigation was conducted by an engineer who found that the engine failure was caused by dirt in the carburettor. At high power settings the dirt was sucked up from the bottom of the carburettor and blocked the fuel flow. The carburettors have since been checked and cleaned. This school has also inspected the carburettors on all other aircraft in their fleet and found nothing else of concern. Additionally the fuel filters and pumps have been inspected in both aircraft (as well as the refuelling container) and have found nothing out of the ordinary. It appears the cause of the engine failure was due to dirty fuel (dirt / muck in the fuel). This highlights the importance of using filters, or a known source of MOGAS, when refuelling.
22/5/2016	OCC0660	Stephens Creek	NSW	Sport Cruiser Czaw	Sport Cruiser	Rotax	912 ULS	Taxiing on RWY34: At the end of the runway, whilst the pilot was turning to level aircraft for take-...
Taxiing on RWY34: At the end of the runway, whilst the pilot was turning to level aircraft for take-off, strong winds (20-25 kts) forced aircraft to veer to the side of the embankment. The brakes failed to respond which caused the aircraft to land in soft damp soil and caused the passenger side wheel to be bent slightly. OUTCOME: Attempting to conduct flight operations outside of the recommended aircraft performance limitations as defined in the POH can place pilots at extreme risk of Loss of Control, even when taxiing. Pilots are advised to apply both Airmanship and common sense in decision making in relation to both in flight and ground operations when conditions are unfavourable for flight and always reference the manufactures operating manuals as part of planning and decision making prior to flight..
21/5/2016	OCC0658	Harrietville	VIC	Savannah	Classic	Rotax	912ULS	Plane was conducting a visual observation of alpine high country and after passing West of Mt Feathe...
Plane was conducting a visual observation of alpine high country and after passing West of Mt Feathertop the engine spluttered without warning. Pilot immediately checked instruments and fuel taps and attempted an engine restart. The engine started and gained minor revs before again spluttering and stopping - not able to be restarted again. The pilot adopted glide speed of 55 kt and broadcast 'MAYDAY' call to Melbourne Centre on frequency 122.8. The pilot briefed passenger on situation and intent to attempted forced landing. Pilot identified suitable cleared grassed paddock and scanned for obvious hazards. Pilot made controlled descent toward paddock and ensured plane passed over road, power lines and fences. Plane was approaching ground at speed however there were thick and tall forest trees at the far end of paddock which were approaching rapidly. Pilot decided that a hard landing would offer better likelihood of less serious injury to pilot and passenger so touched down. Ground was slightly uneven and with speed the nose wheel sheared off, stopped propeller and lower engine cowl scraped grass surface and rapidly halted plane's forward motion. Pilot confirmed passenger was not injured. Pilot switched all electrical and fuel valves off and both persons exited the plane to safe distance. OUTCOME: Preliminary investigation of the aircraft suggests that a partial or full blockage of the fuel tank filler cap venting tubes may have contributed to fuel starvation at the engine and this is based on some evidence of insects inside the tube ends. Pilot/ owner will install some sort of mesh on the breather caps to prevent this type of occurrence happening again.
17/5/2016	OCC0649	Forbes	NSW	Winton	Cricket	Robin	EC44L2PM-1100	This very basic, vintage era, ultralight aeroplane had been mothballed for twenty five years. After ...
This very basic, vintage era, ultralight aeroplane had been mothballed for twenty five years. After purchase it was returned to an airworthy condition and flown on a couple of short shake-down circuit flights followed by minor maintenance rectifications. Anecdotally the fuel endurance was said to be an hour safe. It was then decided to check on fuel burn, endurance, etc in a controlled situation. The aeroplane was flown a short distance and positioned to fly over a suitable cleared open paddock to establish fuel burn data. At fifty five minutes on return to land the engine surged several times and ceased to produce enough power to maintain level flight. An uneventful landing was conducted on the cleared paddock. The aeroplane suffered no damage and the pilot no injuries. After inspection and addition of further fuel the engine ran without defect. OUTCOME: Technical Manager has spoken with the pilot/ owner about this aircraft. The appropriate testing was being conducted to validate previous data which was found to be incorrect. Pilot/ owner will continue to conduct testing to obtain correct fuel endurance for the aircraft.
16/5/2016	OCC0659	Temora	NSW	Jabiru	J230D	Jabiru	3300A	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: DEFECT: Maintainer was to remove the cylinder head for valve ...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: DEFECT: Maintainer was to remove the cylinder head for valve sealing rectification. Upon removal, the rocker bushes and shaft were found to show excessive wear. After cleaning the exhaust valve, there was also found to be corrosion/erosion on the lower stem. OUTCOME: Technical addressed this defect with the factory who will amend the service and maintenance manual to address concerns and observations raised.