Occurrences

Date	Occurrence #	Location	State	Aircraft	Model	Engine	Model	Summary
9/4/2016	OCC0620	Caboolture	QLD	Savannah	VG XL	Rotax	912 ULS	Whilst climbing out on takeoff on RWY30, at approximately 300-400 ft, a subtle vibration was felt fr...
Whilst climbing out on takeoff on RWY30, at approximately 300-400 ft, a subtle vibration was felt from the engine for a few seconds then the engine ran very roughly and lost power. An immediate turn and successful landing was made on RWY06, without injury or damage. OUTCOME: Investigation of the power loss revealed a substantial corrosion build up at the bottom of the RH carby float bowl. The loose debris migrated aft in the bowl creating a high point which prevented the float from fully opening the needle and seat and at full power, the fuel demand for the RH cylinders exceeded supply until the float bowl ran dry causing the RH cylinders to loose all power. High power engine runs on the ground did not reveal this defect as the debris levelled out enough to allow full flow. After a thorough clean out, the float bowl had pitting corrosion on the bowl bottom surface underneath each float. It is suggested that the ethanol sitting in the float bowl or perhaps an ethanol / water mix, over time may have caused this corrosion. Owner intends to buy fuel from a supplier that has higher quality control and will check the float bowls regularly for debris and corrosion. RAAus Recommendations: RAAus recommends that all aircraft operators utilise appropriate methods and processes to ensure the quality of the fuel utilised in their aircraft operations. A number of recent instances have highlighted that fuel purchased from service stations has contained amounts of contamination in the fuel such as water. RAAus recommends appropriate fuel sampling and monitoring of all fuel bowls and carburettor bowls for aircraft utilising MOGAS. Members are also reminded to refer to the maintenance manual and operational procedures of their aircraft to confirm fuel types allowed for operation.
8/4/2016	OCC0618	Bundook Manning Valley	NSW	FPNA U.S. Valor	Aeroprakt A22 LSA	Rotax	912ULS	Pilot left YCNK 1530 tracking north to YPMQ via Gloucester in VFR corridor. Weather conditions becam...
Pilot left YCNK 1530 tracking north to YPMQ via Gloucester in VFR corridor. Weather conditions became worse with low cloud approaching Bundook,with no chance to continue further North. Pilot made the decision to turn back to Gloucester however by this time conditions were far worse with the aircraft being totally socked in however pilot had the ground and hills visual. Pilot made the decision to land in one of three paddocks and conducted a precautionary landing with no further event. OUTCOME: Pilot has agreed to remedial training elements in Human Factors and interpretation and understanding of Meteorology in regard to flight planning with local senior instructor.
3/4/2016	OCC0617	Toowoomba	QLD	Aeroprakt	Vixxen	Rotax	91ULS	On approach to destination, after a planned flight time of 42 minutes, the pilot had noticed the SE ...
On approach to destination, after a planned flight time of 42 minutes, the pilot had noticed the SE winds had increased in strength as they flew further west (especially across the escapement approximately 3 nm east of the airfield). Pilot chose to land on 1-1 which was the recommended arrival runway. The crosswind was at about 2 o’clock relative to aircraft track on final, fairly strong and gusting (approx 12-15 knots). The actual approach was bumpy, but otherwise normal and within pilots ability. Pilot lined up on the centre-line at 55 knots on late final, one stage of flap. The main landing gear touched approximately 50 metres beyond the threshold however the nose was still well off the ground. At this point pilot recalled being on an uphill gradient well below the crest of the runway at Toowoomba. The aircraft lifted up by the right wing, was pushed to the left and was briefly flying again. Pilot overcompensated when turning to the right and the aircraft landed giving the nose-wheel a solid thump. Aircraft did not bounce or skid after the nose-wheel made contact with the runway. Pilot regained control of the aircraft and was able to quickly bring it to a halt pointing into the wind with the aircraft just on the grass on the right of the runway. OUTCOME: Runway-Loss of Control (R-LOC) event. Contributing environmental and type configuration factors were also identified. An effective self evaluation and further mentoring with Operations has assisted this pilot to understand and prevent further occurrences.
3/4/2016	OCC0655	Arundel	QLD	Zenith Aircraft	Zodiac Ch 601 Hd	Rotax	912S	The pilot had commenced take-off run. The aircraft lifted its tail at 45 kts and at approximately 55...
The pilot had commenced take-off run. The aircraft lifted its tail at 45 kts and at approximately 55 kts the aircraft changed direction abruptly and ran off the runway onto rough ground where the right main wheel structure collapse. The pilot and passenger where able alight easily from the aircraft with nil injuries. OUTCOME: Pilot advised that there was a cross-wind from the left and the rotation to the left was sudden and unrecoverable. Pilot has undertaken his own remedial training with an RAAus instructor and the aircraft has been fully inspected and is awaiting parts for completion of repairs.
1/4/2016	OCC0613	Bendigo Airport	VIC	Cheetah	TBA	Jabiru	2200	Pilot was completing some high speed taxi runs on RWY35 to ascertain how the aircraft handled after ...
Pilot was completing some high speed taxi runs on RWY35 to ascertain how the aircraft handled after it had been refurbished. The aircraft was tracking straight with good rudder control at approximately 45 kt when the pilot gave a slight elevator back pressure with the intention of lifting the nose wheel just off the ground. To the surprise of the pilot the aircraft took flight. Pilot immediately closed the throttle however put the aircraft back onto the runway quite hard. The nose wheel and mains then collapsed and skidded 20 m off to the right of the runway. OUTCOME: RAAus Operations and Technical departments have reviewed this report with no further action required. RAAus members are advised that prior to test flying aircraft that further guidance and assistance should be sought about test flight procedures if they have no prior or minimal experience. Additionally a risk assessment in relation to owner builder flight testing should be conducted.
27/3/2016	OCC0614	Aldinga Aerodrome	SA	Cubcrafters	CC11-100	Teledyne Continental	0-200A88B	Pilot conducting touch and go. The tail wheel connecting bolt disconnected from the aircraft which l...
Pilot conducting touch and go. The tail wheel connecting bolt disconnected from the aircraft which left the tail wheel left dangling. Pilot had an uneventful wheeler landing carried out. Aircraft has had a new bolt fitted. OUTCOME: This is a high time aircraft utilised in ab-initio pilot training. Due to the nature of tail wheel training, and the environment at that airfield, more than normal operational loading would have been continually applied to this area of the aircraft. Members are reminded to conduct a thorough pre-flight inspection.
27/3/2016	OCC0612	Redcliffe	QLD	Evektor	Sportstar Plus	Rotax	912 ULS	Airspace Infringement: At 2230 radar return code A1200 observed tracking toward the East at A020 pen...
Airspace Infringement: At 2230 radar return code A1200 observed tracking toward the East at A020 penetrating CTA base A015. When called by the Radar controller the aircraft advised their call sign and their intention was tracking to overfly a mates house. The aircraft tracked to the West to leave CTA. The mode C was subsequently verified. No separation issues. OUTCOME: Pilot breached Brisbane CTA via the northern VFR lane whilst manoeuvring to take photographs of his house. Pilots are reminded again to maintain high levels of vigilance and appropriate separation from known CTA to avoid unplanned incursions. Any recreational activity including photography should take the lowest priority in these circumstances and best conducted for private purposes with a friend or other command pilot so situational awareness is not compromised.
24/3/2016	OCC1043	Bendigo	VIC	Bristell	Bristell	Rotax	912 ULS	During a type conversion flight a noise was noticed on incoming CCT transmission. The plane had expe...
During a type conversion flight a noise was noticed on incoming CCT transmission. The plane had experienced recent problems with noisy reception on both radios comms and an attempt to isolate the noise was commenced (during the flight the noise was apparent on all incoming transmissions). Non essential equipment was isolated and a check with one of the radios on 121.5 MHZ indicated an active emergency beacon. Although there was no indication of a active beacon on dash indicator the ELT was disarmed at the main unit. Melbourne centre was advised of the inadvertent activation. OUTCOME: The ELT serviceability had been questioned on previous maintenance releases. The dash switch had been suspected as faulty however it had not been replaced due to cost issues. Some months after this incident the ELT was replaced by the manufacturer and there had been a Service Bulletin raised by the ELT manufacturer.
20/3/2016	OCC0609	Balanabah Tottenham	NSW	Savannah	S	Rotax	912	After completing both cockpit and engine tests the pilot proceeded to roll down the runway. After ap...
After completing both cockpit and engine tests the pilot proceeded to roll down the runway. After approximately 200 m, and reaching 50 kts, the plane lifted approximately 2 m. The nose of the plane pitched up and after correction the plane dropped resulting in a hard landing on the nose wheel. Pilot immediately switched off the engine along with the fuel supply to the plane. Substantial damage to the aircraft. OUTCOME: Runway- Loss of Control (R-LOC) during the take off phase off flight. Pilot was current on type and familiar with airfield. Probable cause related to local environmental conditions generating wind shear. This has previously been identified by numerous experienced pilots flying at this airfield.
19/3/2016	OCC0599	Waikerie	SA	Thatcher	Cx4	Aero Power	122/1	During transit to to Wentworth to attend Fly-in the engine revs increased just after a white object ...
During transit to to Wentworth to attend Fly-in the engine revs increased just after a white object flew away towards the starboard wing. This was followed by medium to bad engine vibrations and the pilot shut down the engine immediately. Pilot gave an inbound call to Waikerie Traffic that they were inbound with the engine out and dead stick landing and touched down with no problem. On inspection of the aircraft the nose section of the composite spinner was missing and all retaining screws were intact, in place and screwed down to what was their full potential. The one and only shattered prop blade had white collision marks where it had contacted the spinner as it broke away. No injury to the pilot and no issue with the engine. Damage was a small dent on the leading edge of the starboard 2/3 out from fuselage where it was struck by a piece of spinner. OUTCOME: Inspection of propeller shown that the component is not viewed as defective however probable cause maybe due to installation of propeller. Inspection of the broken propeller showed the timber laminates were split in two places from tip to hub and a piece of tip missing about match box size. The Firewall engine mount was inspected and the frame bolts and anchor points were intact/undamaged as well as the rubber engine mount points. Both engine ignition timings remain at 28 deg as set, tappet clearances all check at the 4th and 6th as set respectively. A tethered ground run up on a borrowed prop revealed no irregular vibrations and smooth running at idle and flat out. A new propeller has been purchased and will be fitted with greater care.
17/3/2016	OCC0598	18 nm North of Amberley	QLD	Airplane Factory	Sling iS	Rotax	912 IS	During a Navigation Exercise with a student (located approximately 18nm North East of Amberley Airpo...
During a Navigation Exercise with a student (located approximately 18nm North East of Amberley Airport) BN centre contacted and informed us that we had climbed up into the Class C LL of 3500 and were reading 3700 on Centres radars. Pilot informed Centre that our altimeter was reading 3400. BN Centre also informed us that we were very close to the Amberley R620A and had indicated inside at one point. Our intended track was to remain OCTA and track Northwest along the western edge of the range not above 3500 for KCY to overfly as part of a simulated diversion and track crawling exercise. Unfortunately due to high terrain just East of track and Low cloud along the intended path we were pushed West toward Amberley's Airspace. Although visually it appeared as though we remained outside as informed by BN centre we must have brushed the edge of the airspace at some stage during the flight. Upon reflecting on the exercise pilot believes that flying between these Airspace boundary's using nothing but dead reckoning was not the best option for the flight and further consideration will be applied for any subsequent flights to this area. Since the incident the CFI has flown the aircraft and have confirmed that there is a discrepancy between the Transponder and the Altimeter confirming the suspicion of an error with the instruments. This will be rectified ASAP before conducting any further flights of this type in this Aircraft. OUTCOME: Operations conducted an Investigation. Aircraft operator to have appropriate testing and re-calibration of altimeter and transponder prior to further flight. Distributor (owner) reminded of ongoing instrument calibration requirements as per RAAus Technical manual and CAO's.
16/3/2016	OCC0610	Albury	NSW	Jabiru	J230-d LSA	Jabiru	J230-D	Aircraft failed to report and an INCERFA was declared. Aircraft was instructed to call clear of cont...
Aircraft failed to report and an INCERFA was declared. Aircraft was instructed to call clear of controlled airspace at 16nm AY. At 2309 calls to aircraft were unanswered from AY TWR and ML CTR. INCERFA declared and details passed to ML ORM for action. ML ORM advised that aircraft was safe on ground and INCERFA cancelled. OUTCOME: Pilot determined that he made the appropriate departure call. Action taken to cancel INCERFA was activated immediately and no further action was required.
15/3/2016	OCC0608	Narrandera	NSW	Jabiru	J230	Jabiru	3300A	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: DEFECT: Induction Hoses softening and not sealing clamps. Not...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: DEFECT: Induction Hoses softening and not sealing clamps. Not sealing hoses for full circumference and allowing fuel/air mixture to leak and lean cylinder. OUTCOME: Technical Manager has liaised with Jabiru for guidance on the issues. The hoses were removed and replaced at 500 h, with new hoses and clamps supplied by Jabiru fitted. Jabiru Maintenance Manual Issue 6 was used however the document was found to provide little guidance to the torque to be applied to the clamps. The new hoses have approximately 16 hours on them and the clamps and hoses on No.2 & No.4 are starting to exhibit the same issues that were previously noted. Jabiru indicated to RAAus that they would offer to review the clamps currently being utilised to see if there was a defective batch. Jabiru also offered to review their technical manual and add a procedure for tightening the clamp for owners of Jabirus.
14/3/2016	OCC0602	Orange	NSW	Jabiru	J160C	Jabiru	2200	A near-miss reported. RAAus aircraft called taxiing for RWY04, which was not the operational runway,...
A near-miss reported. RAAus aircraft called taxiing for RWY04, which was not the operational runway, however did not make any further CTAF calls until turning crosswind. The aircraft was aware of other traffic operating to RWY11 and had been communicating with them on the CTAF(R) frequency. RAAus aircraft conducted a takeoff on RWY04 whilst a C-27J was on short finals to RWY11. OUTCOME: Owner of aircraft advised that the aircraft was not flown on the day in question however was flown on the Sunday (next day). Pilot was with a student and circuits were being conducted on RWY04 which was most into wind runway. No loss of separation was evident and communication and clearance was assured at all time by the pilot in command.
14/3/2016	OCC0594	Archerfield	QLD	The Aircraft Factory	Sling 2	Rotax	912 IS	Upon commencing take-off (whilst conducting a touch and go) a bird flew out at Vr and struck the pro...
Upon commencing take-off (whilst conducting a touch and go) a bird flew out at Vr and struck the propeller. Pilot chose to continue the take-off given that they were above rotation speed and had committed. OUTCOME: No obvious signs of propeller damage during the climb out and upon landing pilot conducted a visual inspection of propeller and found no obvious damage to propeller or the aircraft. First report of a bird strike for Archerfield area reported to RAAus since October 2015.