Occurrences

Date	Occurrence #	Location	State	Aircraft	Model	Engine	Model	Summary
19/12/2015	OCC0527	Coffs Harbour	NSW	Jabiru	J170-C	Jabiru	J2200	Loss of comms by pilot on approach to Coffs Harbour aerodrome. Comms required for contact with Class...
Loss of comms by pilot on approach to Coffs Harbour aerodrome. Comms required for contact with Class D controller. Problem could not be replicated on the ground by the CFI and Instructor. Possibly due to incorrect volume setting or wrong frequency setting. OUTCOME: Operations reviewed report no further action required.
15/12/2015	OCC0529	Yarram	VIC	IPC	Savannah	Rotax	912 ULS	Flying at 4000ft, pilot conducted an aerobatic manoeuvre. The aircraft is not rated and the pilot is...
Flying at 4000ft, pilot conducted an aerobatic manoeuvre. The aircraft is not rated and the pilot is not trained for these manoeuvres. It was a clear day with very little wind. The aircraft has been assessed for any possible overstress or damage. OUTCOME: Operations discussed actions with the pilot about conducting inappropriate manoeuvres without appropriate training and qualifications and ensuring the aircraft is approved and certified appropriately. Pilot is cognisant of the regulations and requirements and will seek further training as required.
11/12/2015	OCC0508	White Gum	WA	Airborne Windsports	XT-912-B	Rotax	912 UL	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: DEFECT: Whilst conducting a BFR, and taxiing up a slight incl...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: DEFECT: Whilst conducting a BFR, and taxiing up a slight incline, pilot/ instructor felt a bump near the RHS rear wheel and assumed it was a small rock. The taxi and subsequent flight/ landing continued with no further issues. A post flight inspection revealed that the disc brake assembly on the RHS wheel was considerably damaged. The lugs that ‘drive’ the disc appeared as sheared off. A closer inspection of the disc showed an area around one of the lugs that had evidence of localised heating. Further inspection of the sheared lug shows what appears to be a partial laser cut though the lug indicating that this is where the problem was initiated (all of the other lugs show clean shear). OUTCOME: Nil further action at this time. Technical department will monitor and will discuss with Australian manufacturer if other instances occur.
6/12/2015	OCC0505	Mt Beauty Airfield	VIC	Rans Inc	S-4 Coyote	Rotax	503	On take off pilot applied full power. Aircraft took off in heavy grass adjacent to the main strip an...
On take off pilot applied full power. Aircraft took off in heavy grass adjacent to the main strip and hit a slight dip which helped the aircraft to fly early with left rudder applied. Pilot attempted to fly out of the situation with the stick forward however the aircraft continued to head left. Pilot reduced power as left wing collided with stationary Cessna 182. Aircraft came to rest with damage to left wing and propeller. No injuries were sustained to the pilot. Aircraft on ground had damage to the right wing tip and wing strut. OUTCOME: The Rotax 2 stroke results in prop turning opposite to 912, so left rudder application is correct. Further discussion determined pilot may have applied opposite aileron (right) in an effort to manoeuvre away from parked aircraft, resulting in stall and subsequent impact. Alternative actions could have included closing the throttle forward stick to prevent early lift-off. Pilot had flown 3-4 hours immediately before to ensure proficiency. Pilot will complete a BFR with CFI.
6/12/2015	OCC0503	Caboolture	QLD	Airborne	XT 582 Outback	Rotax	582	Purpose of the flight was to tune the wing on a 2 stroke Airborne Merlin winged trike. Conditions we...
Purpose of the flight was to tune the wing on a 2 stroke Airborne Merlin winged trike. Conditions were fine with 8 kts straight down the main runway. All pre-flight checks were carried out before take off. Aircraft lift off was rapid and at about 400 ft. Pilot increased power to full maintaining that setting for a short time, and again decreasing power back from full power to carry out climb. About 800m past the end of the airfield (three to four minutes after take off), at 1200ft, pilot needed to climb to 1500ft so as to turn to the right. Pilot applied full power and approximately 4 seconds later the engine stopped. A forced landing was preformed back at the airfield. OUTCOME: Aircraft was inspected and engine has now been repaired. From the inspection is appeared the engine issues were due to a 'cold seizure'. The engine only had 40 h of operation. The pilot had conducted a run up prior to flight with all temps indicating normal. Full power was applied however the pilot backed off. After approximately 30 seconds, to about three quarters (to enable the pistons to expand), the water jacket was at a different temp which was slightly cooler than what it would have been if the pilot had kept full power. The pilot again added full power (for the pistons to expand again) however the water jacket was still cool. The pilot took the engine back once again to three quarters for a slightly longer time and then applied full power again when the engine seized. The engine has had a new piston replaced and is functioning well. The pilots reasoning for the 'on' and 'off' the throttle was due to their climb rate. It has been determined that the engine had a 'cold seizure' which at times can happen very early in a take off.
5/12/2015	OCC0509	Caboolture	QLD	Airborne	XT-912 Streak III Tourer	Rotax	912 UL	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: DEFECT: XT-912 Streak III left hand spat bracket was found to...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: DEFECT: XT-912 Streak III left hand spat bracket was found to be cracked when conducting a pre-flight inspection. As part of the pre-flight inspection, the left hand wheel spat was given a shake to confirm it's security where the spat bracket subsequently fractured. Subsequent inspection of the failed bracket revealed that it had pre-existing cracks, and that this pre-flight caused total failure of the component. OUTCOME: RAAus contacted manufacturer and highlighted defect reported and concern that this may be one of many defects that have occurred. Being part of the undercarriage assembly, the bracket is exposed to considerable vibration during the ground operation of flight (i.e. the taxi), particularly when operating off grass strips. Maintainer suggests the following inspection (prior to next flight) as a consideration: • One off inspection (and then aligned with the 100 hourly): 1. Physically give the wheel spat a vigour shake 2. Remove the wheel spat 3. Remove the wheel securing spat bracket 4. Inspect the bracket for cracks 5. Install the wheel securing spat bracket 6. Install the wheel spat 7. Update the maintenance log for incorporation of the SB • Pre-Flight Inspection: 1. Physically give the wheel spat a vigour shake 2. Listen for noises that would indicate a broken bracket or unrestrained movement of the wheel spat 3. Bend down and have a look for obvious cracking in the lower part of the Bracket that is visible
5/12/2015	OCC0507	Sunshine Coast	QLD	Piper	Sport Cruiser	Rotax	ULS 912	This flight was conducted for an owner of a leased aircraft online with the flying school. Pilot was...
This flight was conducted for an owner of a leased aircraft online with the flying school. Pilot was given the instruction "RWY 12, cleared for take-off, climb straight ahead". On upwind the pilot flying initiated a left turn onto crosswind to track northbound over water not above 1500' as per our airways clearance, forgetting the conditional clearance previously provided. Co-pilot immediately took over control and returned the aircraft back to the original runway heading. During this correction the tower controller instructed "Aircraft, the instruction was to climb straight ahead, maintain Easterly heading until advised". Pilots continued as per this clearance, to shortly track north over water. OUTCOME: Occurrence reviewed by Operations. Satisfactory action to rectify contravention with ATC instruction by instructor.
4/12/2015	OCC0511	Busselton Regional	WA	Evektor	Sportstar	Rotax	912 ULS	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: DEFECT: Rudder Hinge Bearings - Both bearings seized with inn...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: DEFECT: Rudder Hinge Bearings - Both bearings seized with inner spherical part rotating on shank of fixture. That is upper bearing inner part relies on friction of bullet nosed in pin attached to rudder spar, and the lower bearing inner part us secured by castellated nut on retention in lower part of rudder. Apart from being shiny where inner part of bearing was rotating on shanks, no wear step was evident. Due to being located in a recess no measurement for wear could be ascertained on the top pin. The lower beating centre however can be nipped by tightening the castellated nut. Bearings were cleaned of dried grease, readily freed, followed by application of a light grease and rudder reinstalled. Duplicated inspection of rudder control system will be carried out on completion of maintenance to rudder cables. OUTCOME: Evektor are aware that some Nicopress clamps were not sufficiently pressed during manufacture. They have released a Safety Alert Mandatory Bulletin SportStar – 017a SR to cover this anomaly and require a report back to them if additional defects are identified (refer Appendix 2 Item 7).
4/12/2015	OCC0501	Bathurst	NSW	BRM	Bristell	Rotax	912ULS	A current GA PPL holder converting to RA registered BRM Bristell held off on landing too long with a...
A current GA PPL holder converting to RA registered BRM Bristell held off on landing too long with an overly high angle of attack, resulting in portside wing drop and contact with the runway. This was his first solo after 2.5 hours of dual instruction with above average judgment displayed when dual. OUTCOME: CFI has provided an appropriate response to attempt to minimize another occurrence which includes spending more time in dual training irrespective of pilot experience and apparent talent.
2/12/2015	OCC0496	Merimbula	NSW	Airbourne	XT-912	Rotax	912	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: DEFECT: As per AWB 02-006 the MIL spec 6000 hose swelled to t...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: DEFECT: As per AWB 02-006 the MIL spec 6000 hose swelled to the point that it restricted the fuel flow to the engine resulting in total engine failure. This hose was factory fitted when the aircraft was new. OUTCOME: Tech spoke with the factory, who were sent the hoses for further investigation. During incident aircraft engine was seen to be not performing at an acceptable rev range however this was overlooked during the incident. Pilot followed correct process and landed straight forward. RAAus have also listed relevant information regarding Flexible Hose Assemblies AWB 02-006 Issue: 2, Date : 8 May 2015, which can be found at the following link https://members.raa.asn.au/announcements/article/?id=awb-flexible-hose-assemblies-maintenance-practices
30/11/2015	OCC0499	Frogs Hollow Airfield Bega	NSW	Airborne Windsports	XT912	Rotax	912	Departed from Frogs Hollow Airstrip Bega. At 300 ft at the end of RWY18, engine lost power, was runn...
Departed from Frogs Hollow Airstrip Bega. At 300 ft at the end of RWY18, engine lost power, was running very rough and aircraft was losing altitude. Aircraft was landed as per forced landing training one mile directly south of airstrip in paddock without incident. OUTCOME: Defect reported from this incident and as per AWB 02-006 the MIL spec 6000 hose swelled to the point that it restricted the fuel flow to the engine resulting in total engine failure. This hose was factory fitted when the aircraft was new. Tech spoke with the factory, who were sent the hoses for further investigation. During incident aircraft engine was seen to be not performing at an acceptable rev range however this was overlooked during the incident. Pilot followed correct process and landed straight forward. RAAus have also listed relevant information regarding Flexible Hose Assemblies AWB 02-006 Issue: 2, Date: 8 May 2015, which can be found at the following link https://members.raa.asn.au/announcements/article/?id=awb-flexible-hose-assemblies-maintenance-practices
29/11/2015	OCC0491	Caboolture	QLD	Tecnam	P92	Rotax	912 ULS	Left wing petrol cap was left off the aircraft after refuelling. OUTCOME: Pilot stated that there ...
Left wing petrol cap was left off the aircraft after refuelling. OUTCOME: Pilot stated that there was a change in where the pre-flight checks were completed and they were doing things slightly different to their normal routine. The aircraft was located in a different position and on grass making it more difficult to manoeuvre the petrol drum trolley. Pilot was aware of the HF involved in how the fuel cap was forgotten. Suggest that during pre-flight checks that a checklist is followed and ensure that petrol caps are secured using visually verification during inspection.
29/11/2015	OCC0494	Southport	QLD	Tecnam	2000R	Rotax	912	Wheels not clicked in resulting in wheels up landing (damage to one tip of propeller, no damage to a...
Wheels not clicked in resulting in wheels up landing (damage to one tip of propeller, no damage to air frame). OUTCOME: Pilot has been advised to upgrade his landing procedure checks and not be distracted while in the circuit.
29/11/2015	OCC0513	Woodstock	QLD	Howard Hughes Engineering	Light Wing GA-912	Rotax	912	Fatal Accident involving RAAus member. RAAus Accident consultants are assisting police in determinin...
Fatal Accident involving RAAus member. RAAus Accident consultants are assisting police in determining the causal factors that led to the accident. See the RAAus Special ENews at the following link for more information http://www.vision6.com.au/em/message/email/view.php?id=1155598&u=70000. Non-inquest findings: The Coroner concluded that the pilot died at about 6.20am on 29 November 2015 while piloting a Hughes Lightwing GA-912 aircraft that took off from Runway 33 at Starke Airfield, suffered a loss of engine power, aerodynamically stalled and impacted the ground causing his death. The cause of the loss of power was unable to be determined due to significant post-impact fire. There have been no recommendations made to RAAus by the Coroner. https://www.courts.qld.gov.au/courts/coroners-court/findings
27/11/2015	OCC0489	Bankstown Airport	NSW	Aeroprakt	Foxbat A22LS	Rotax	912 ULS	Student pilot conducted a solo check in order to complete second solo circuit lesson. Student pilot ...
Student pilot conducted a solo check in order to complete second solo circuit lesson. Student pilot dropped instructor off and taxied back towards RWY11R for this solo flight which authorized him to conduct three circuits followed by a full stop landing. All sequences in the circuit appeared normal until landing. On landing, the aircraft bounced twice and on the final touch down, the nose wheel collapsed, propeller hit the runway and the aircraft ran off the runway onto the grass. Student pilot was uninjured and was escorted back to the flight school. After a brief conversation with the student pilot it was determined they seemed to have encountered pilot induced oscillation for which they failed to go around. The aircraft was then towed to maintenance. OUTCOME: Ops spoken to CFI. CFI stated that all instructors have been briefed to ensure they conduct demonstration PIO and go-around procedures for all students, and include a notation on the student record to show competence. CFI ensuring all students are thoroughly briefed and checked for go-around procedures prior to further solo. The student will be taking a short break from training as a result of this accident, but does intend to return.