Occurrences

Date	Occurrence #	Location	State	Aircraft	Model	Engine	Model	Summary
11/9/2016	OCC0748	Bunbury	WA	Flight Design	MC	Rotax	912-S	A pilot was conducting circuits with SE crosswinds, around 5-10kts, gusts and shear close to the gro...
A pilot was conducting circuits with SE crosswinds, around 5-10kts, gusts and shear close to the ground. On the third circuit, the pilot landed very heavily on the right main wheel while attempting to keep right wing low into the crosswind. The pilot taxied off the runway onto grass to clear RWY as it became obvious the suspension was damaged. OUTCOME: While conducting solo circuits in gusty conditions, the aircraft landed hard on the right side undercarriage, resulting in damage. The pilot in command has acknowledged the importance of taking an Instructor along if conditions could prove challenging to low time pilots, to ensure additional experience may be gained safely.
10/9/2016	OCC0884	Sunshine Coast Aerodrome	QLD	The Airplane Factory	Sling 2	Rotax	912 ULS	Whilst conducting training circuits at YBSU, following a touch and go at approximately 50ft a bird s...
Whilst conducting training circuits at YBSU, following a touch and go at approximately 50ft a bird struck the aircraft. The aircraft aborted take-off and was returned back to RWY36. An inspection carried out and no damage to aircraft. OUTCOME: This is the first reported bird strike incident at this location by RAAus. RAAus reviewed area ERSA with no information relating to wildlife hazards. RAAus will continue to monitor reports for any further wildlife hazards at this location.
10/9/2016	OCC0768	Black Hill	SA	FK	FK-9	Rotax	912 UL	On finals for RWY 25L, the pilot selected full flaps at threshold for a short field landing. The pil...
On finals for RWY 25L, the pilot selected full flaps at threshold for a short field landing. The pilot selected aim point of touchdown just past the crest of the main undulation on runway. Seconds before touchdown the aircraft unexpectedly sank at a greater rate than expected. The pilot was unable to react sufficiently in time before touchdown. The aircraft touched down approximately 10-15 meters short of aim point before the crest on an inclined section of runway, exacerbating the severity of landing. OUTCOME: Pilots are reminded of the importance of power management in controlling sink rate in short field approach exercises and to ensure minimum control airspeed are protected in these types of approaches. Specialist training can assist in understanding and developing appropriate skills for any short field operations
10/9/2016	OCC0747	Archerfield	QLD	The Airplane Factory	Sling 2	Rotax	912 IS	Climbing out of RWY 28L the pilot made a left turn to join the circuit but when they went to reduce ...
Climbing out of RWY 28L the pilot made a left turn to join the circuit but when they went to reduce the throttle at the top of the climb it would not come back. The pilot immediately requested a climb to 1500ft overhead the field to try and fix the problem. After several attempts the pilot managed to pull the throttle back but felt something break when they did. Before descent the pilot performed some checks to make sure that they had full and free operation of the engine throttle before attempting to land. Once the pilot was satisfied, they reported ready for descent to ATC and made a faster than usual flapless approach to the runway to ensure they had enough speed and height in the event the throttle suffered another malfunction. The aircraft landed safely and there was no further reported issues. OUTCOME: Its was identified that the primary cause was resultant of a screw clamp holding the air filter box to the manifold intake not being done up tight enough during a 100 hour service. This led to it disconnecting and the throttle being caught on it. Maintenance has been completed and this issues has been rectified.
10/9/2016	OCC0749	Caboolture	QLD	The Aircraft Factory	Sling 2	Rotax	912 IS	Birdstrike: On final circuit, a masked lapwing (Vanellus miles) flew up from the grass during holdof...
Birdstrike: On final circuit, a masked lapwing (Vanellus miles) flew up from the grass during holdoff phase prior to touchdown and was struck by either the left wing or left undercarriage. The aircraft was undamaged but the birds health is unknown. OUTCOME: This aerodrome has a high rate of bird strikes reported which is noted in the ERSA. Members are reminded that it is currently the start of the mating seasons and birds may display territorial behaviour to aerial predators.
10/9/2016	OCC0759	Boonah	QLD	Jabiru	Sp 500	Jabiru	3300a	Tracking north from Boonah a loss of power was noticed, the oil pressure light came on and the press...
Tracking north from Boonah a loss of power was noticed, the oil pressure light came on and the pressure gauge fell to zero. A suitable landing area was selected, and commenced approach, the engine had stopped with the propellor horizontal a hurried radio call was made with no response. The landing was OK on wet ground, the aircraft travelled about 150m when the nose wheel bogged at slow speed bringing the aircraft to a halt. OUTCOME: ATSB have conducted a short investigation into this incident. On 11 September 2016, at about 1000 Eastern Standard Time, a Jabiru SP500 aircraft registered 19-5503, departed Caboolture Airfield, Queensland (Qld), for a flight to Boonah Airfield, Qld. The pilot was the only person on board. As the aircraft approached Boonah Airfield, the pilot observed large white crosses on the runway indicating the airfield was closed. The pilot elected to return to Caboolture and applied engine power to climb to cruise altitude. At about 1055, the aircraft climbed to the north of Boonah. At a height of about 1,000 ft above ground level, the pilot noticed the engine RPM reducing and applied full throttle. At the same time, the pilot observed a low and fluctuating engine oil pressure indication. Within seconds, the engine failed and the propeller stopped rotating. The pilot identified a paddock to the north of their position as suitable for a forced landing. They manoeuvred the aircraft to conduct a forced landing into the paddock. The pilot ensured that turns made during the forced landing were not tight and of low bank angle to avoid an aerodynamic stall. Late in the ground roll, the nose wheel dug into the soft surface, the aircraft tipped onto its nose and the right wingtip struck the ground. The aircraft then stopped and settled onto its wheels. The pilot was not injured and the aircraft sustained minor damage. This incident is a good example of the effect an in-flight engine failure at a low altitude has on the time available to manage that failure and identify a suitable forced landing area. This report is available from the ATSB at http://www.atsb.gov.au/publications/investigation_reports/2016/aair/ao-2016-116/
7/9/2016	OCC0760	Yarram	VIC	Jabiru	J170	Jabiru	2200	The ATSB investigated a fatal aircraft accident involving a Jabiru J170, registration 24-5215, at Ya...
The ATSB investigated a fatal aircraft accident involving a Jabiru J170, registration 24-5215, at Yarram Airfield, Victoria at 15.44 EST Wednesday 7 September. It was reported that the aircraft collided with terrain while the pilot was conducting circuits. The pilot was the only person on board the aircraft. The ATSB deployed three investigators to the site. The ATSB found that the aircraft was likely subject to mechanical turbulence at the threshold of runway 09 at Yarram aerodrome. Trees and hangars on the north-eastern perimeter of the aerodrome were known locally to cause turbulence in the last 50 ft of the approach when the wind gusted out of the east-northeast. This information was not published in the Airservices Australia En Route Supplement Australia entry for Yarram aerodrome. The pilot was also likely affected by physical and mental fatigue given their age, medical history and recent physical labour. Fatigue’s effect on attention, reaction time, and vigilance likely exacerbated the pilot’s mishandling of the landing attempt and the subsequent go-around. The completed report pertaining to this accident is available on the ATSB website at https://www.atsb.gov.au/publications/investigation_reports/2016/aair/ao-2016-112/
5/9/2016	OCC0751	Caboolture	QLD	The Aeroplane Factory	Sling 2	Rotax	912	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: During scheduled maintenance excessive play was noticed on th...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: During scheduled maintenance excessive play was noticed on the port flap. This, with pressure, enabled a movement of 3/8" at the trailing edge. On investigation the holes in the flap tubes, under the pilots floor, were found elongated slightly allowing the movement in the flap tube joint. OUTCOME: Appropriate maintenance and servicing has been carried out. Works were completed by LAME/L2 on LSA Sling 2. The Australian agent has been made aware of the potential issue and will monitor.
4/9/2016	OCC0746	Gabyon Station, Yalgoo	WA	Australian Aircraft Kits	Hornet Stol	Rotax	912	On landing there was a strong gusty Northerly wind. When the aircraft was approximately one meter of...
On landing there was a strong gusty Northerly wind. When the aircraft was approximately one meter off the ground a strong gust of wind hit the nose of the aircraft which caused the nose of the aircraft to rise and, on correction, the aircraft nose dived into the ground and somersaulted to land on the roof. OUTCOME: Pilot was competent and experienced in aircraft operation and aware of conditions at the time of the incident and correctly applied appropriate landing technique based on the situation. Whilst completing the landing roll, and "pinning" the tail wheel, a severe gust caused the aircraft to pitch and become airborne finally inverting on impact. The aircraft was destroyed however no injuries were sustained. High lift, lightweight recreational tail wheel aircraft that are often used for off airport operations. These aircraft are more susceptible to thermic turbulence and wind gusts during take off, and particularly landing, and require appropriate decision making regarding operation and use during these conditions.
29/8/2016	OCC0745	Caboolture	QLD	Bantam	Bs	Rotax	582	While descending to the dead side from 2000 ft to finally join crosswind on RWY12, and some where ab...
While descending to the dead side from 2000 ft to finally join crosswind on RWY12, and some where above RWY06 the pilot noticed a bird attacking what looked like a blue plastic bag (not uncommon sighting due to location of airfield to the tip). The bird and bag/ paper were making strange movements and the pilots thought that it could have possibly been a drone. The pilot lost sight of the bag and bird and landed safely. This possible drone sighting was mentioned at a later date to the local CFI and a student and the student confirmed that there had indeed been a drone flown over the hangers on that date that was playing with a bird. The pilot determined that the drone was about 1200 ft to 1000ft above RWY06 with no drone activity scheduled for the airfield. OUTCOME: This information has been reported to CASA in the interests of air safety and interference of drones with RAAus aircraft will continue to be monitored. Local area signage and procedures is recommended to ensure air operations do not conflict.
27/8/2016	OCC0740	Watts Bridge	QLD	Edra	Super Petrel LS	Rotax	912 ULS	Pilot experienced a radio communications failure after take-off from Watts Bridge fly in. Receiving ...
Pilot experienced a radio communications failure after take-off from Watts Bridge fly in. Receiving communication from other traffic was very weak and scratchy however the pilot maintained planned outbound track and climb to 2500 feet. The pilot attempted to resolve the issue by using alternative headsets and jacks and squawked 7600 to contact Brisbane Ctr 125.7 to advise other aircraft of the radio issue. The pilot revised their track to remain OCTA and divert around Archerfield CTR. The pilot broadcast twice more to Brisbane advising of other minor track and height changes and landed at Heckfield safely. OUTCOME: Operations has reviewed this report and have noted that the pilot carries a series of emergency procedures prompt cards to ensure that they follow the correct protocol. The cause of radio issues were unable to be identified however a future recommendation is to carry a back up hand held radio as a redundancy.
27/8/2016	OCC0753	Riddell Airfield	VIC	TOPAZ	KR 030	Rotax	UL	After a one hour local flight, when the pilot was on late final with 90 degree cross wind varying be...
After a one hour local flight, when the pilot was on late final with 90 degree cross wind varying between 10 and 15 kts. Approaching over the threshold at approximately 50 kts, nose into wind, the aircraft suddenly lost speed. The aircraft was then too slow to line up with the RWY. The aircraft landed heavily on the left main wheel cracking the leg. OUTCOME: Operations have reviewed the report. Pilot has conducted remedial training since the incident and suggested that in these conditions it would have been appropriate to have more speed on approach.
27/8/2016	OCC0739	Wollongong Regional Airport	NSW	Jabiru	J160C	Jabiru	22B	Aircraft was lined up for take-off on RWY26. As the pilot commenced the take-off run, the aircraft s...
Aircraft was lined up for take-off on RWY26. As the pilot commenced the take-off run, the aircraft started to veer to the left and the pilot over-corrected. The aircraft ran off the left side of the tar runway onto the grass, hit water pooled in the grass, then bounced up off a drainage channel. The aircraft then ran along a barbed-wire fence (on left of aircraft) until the aircraft went through the fence (where it made a right-angle bend). It then continued along the fence (now on right side of aircraft) until a fencepost tore the right wing-strut off the wing. The aircraft then dug the left wingtip into soft earth of the paddock, causing it to nose over and come to rest, inverted, on the barbed-wire fence, facing back in the opposite direction to the one it had been travelling. OUTCOME: The pilot lost control of the aircraft in the take off phase resulting in a runway excursion and collision with boundary fence. Contributing factors were incorrect take off technique, uneven runway surface and focus on defined external reference points during the take off roll. The pilot has been requested to undertake a full review with a RAAus Senior Flight Instructor prior to further command flight.
26/8/2016	OCC0886	Tamworth Airport	NSW	Evektor	SportsStar	Rotax	912 ULS	During circuit training with a student who required close attention, the downwind call for landing w...
During circuit training with a student who required close attention, the downwind call for landing was missed resulting in the aircraft landing without clearance. OUTCOME: As a result of this incident it was agreed, after consultation with the Tower, that a Base call be made during circuit training to bring this into line with requirements for the parallel runway. This procedure will reduce the time between the call and landing and therefore reduce the possibility of missing the call due to time pressures.
26/8/2016	OCC0738	South Grafton Aerodrome	NSW	Morgan	Sierra	Jabiru	3300	After returning from a local flight to land on RWY08 the aircraft touched down on the bitumen after ...
After returning from a local flight to land on RWY08 the aircraft touched down on the bitumen after floating in ground effect for some distance. When the seal ends there is another 300 metres of grass and the aircraft continued onto the grass on the left hand side. There had been significant rain in the days prior and there was a very soft patch of ground. The nose wheel sank into the soft patch, the nose leg bent and the aircraft came to a halt. The aircraft crossed the fence at approximately 65 kts with more than 30 ft of altitude. The air was particularly buoyant and the aircraft seemed to float along forever however eventually ran out of energy. The pilot touched down on the main under carriage and had the nose wheel on the ground before the end of the bitumen. OUTCOME: Pilot approached too fast, and failed to recognise a potential runway overrun as a result of the increased approach speed. The aircraft overran the bitumen component of the runway, and the nose wheel subsequently dug into the grass component of the runway overrun area. As a result of recent rain, the grass was softer than expected and the nose wheel was bent. Pilot has noted future flights will ensure a go/no-go assessment is made and a go-around initiated early enough to prevent a recurrence.