Occurrences

Date	Occurrence #	Location	State	Aircraft	Model	Engine	Model	Summary
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.
13/5/2016	OCC0712	Brisbane	QLD	Tecnam	P92 Eaglet	Rotax	912 ULS	Airspace infringement: YBBN, 343°, 15Nm Brisbane TCU Unidentified aircraft observed to penetrate the...
Airspace infringement: YBBN, 343°, 15Nm Brisbane TCU Unidentified aircraft observed to penetrate the A040 step at 343/15 NM. Multiple calls were made with no response. Aircraft was observed to turn northerly and descend clear of CTA. OUTCOME: Investigator requested all flight records and bookings and confirmed with CFI that the aircraft was not active at the alleged time and indicated on prior occasions that this aircraft had been incorrectly identified by other pilots in relation to position reports. No further action required.
12/5/2016	OCC0653	Tarwin Lower	VIC	Skyfox Aviation	Skyfox Ca22	Rotax	912	Aircraft encountered stong wind gusts during take-off resulting in collision with terrain. OUTCOME:...
Aircraft encountered stong wind gusts during take-off resulting in collision with terrain. OUTCOME: The pilot had not correctly identified the effects of both topographic and mechanical hazards at this private landing area and had not obtained any aeronautical wind forecast for the first flight to this location. Ground based local weather assessments prior to take-off failed to show the true conditions that were prevalent at the time of take-off. Operations close to significant mechanical towers, particularly rotating wind turbines are high risk and should be avoided.
10/5/2016	OCC0821	Mouroubra Station	WA	Skyfox	Gazelle	Rotax	912 A2	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: DEFECT: Reporter noticed that dirt was getting past the air f...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: DEFECT: Reporter noticed that dirt was getting past the air filter and found grit in the air box. The maintainer replaced the foam air filter and surrounding seal, then replaced hoses from the carburettor to the air box. The hoses (where they were bent) had holes and could be seen only when straightened out however the maintainer didn’t think this was where grit was entering as they would have been sealed off when bent. The maintainer removed the air box and could see the air flap that could be opened for carburettor heat. The maintainer noticed that this flap was held closed by a spring connected to the air flap shaft. It was also noticed that when flap was closed it could still be moved away from its seat. The maintainer tighten the bolt that passes through the shaft and flap and this seemed to take out any movement so the flap would remain against its seat and stop dirt entering. OUTCOME: Technical Manager has received the report and notes that air box issues and wear are common in older style aircraft. Since the aircraft is a type certified model an application under the MARAP process would be required to make any modifications.
9/5/2016	OCC0895	Broken Hill Airport	NSW	Aeropilot	Legend 600	Rotax	912 ULS	The aircraft suffered a heavy landing resulting in slight damage to left main landing gear leg. OUT...
The aircraft suffered a heavy landing resulting in slight damage to left main landing gear leg. OUTCOME: Gusty crosswinds were present during the landing and the pilot did not successfully manage the aircraft, landing heavily and damaging the undercarriage. The damage was not discovered for several flights and members are reminded of the importance of conducting heavy landing checks immediately after a heavy landing is conducted.
7/5/2016	OCC0703	Mareeba Aerodrome	QLD	Jabiru	J160	Jabiru	2200A	With a 10-12 kt headwind on final, at about 6-8 ft off the ground, the aircraft suddenly dropped. Th...
With a 10-12 kt headwind on final, at about 6-8 ft off the ground, the aircraft suddenly dropped. The pilot flared quickly to a nose up attitude and the aircraft bounced off the main undercarriage. The stall warning sounded and the plane fell suddenly to the RWY damaging the main left and nose wheel, and the propeller struck the RWY. OUTCOME: Runway Loss of Control (R-LOC) due to pilot unable to recognise potential wind gradient. Pilots reactions were unable to adjust to the environmental conditions and the aircraft commenced a Pilot Induced oscillation after a mismanaged bounce recovery. Member has been recommended for further training.
7/5/2016	OCC0643	Yarram	VIC	Zlin	Savage Cub	Rotax	912 ULS	During landing rollout in a 10 kt cross wind the pilot lost directional control and the aircraft vee...
During landing rollout in a 10 kt cross wind the pilot lost directional control and the aircraft veered to the left. The pilot was unable to correct the swing before colliding with a fence. OUTCOME: Experienced pilot was ferrying the aircraft on this flight leg and despite currency, and recency on tail wheel aircraft, they had only conducted four landings on this specific aircraft type. Significant contributing factors identified by the pilot were minimum time on specific type and a degree of complacency. Runway-Loss of control (R-LOC) events continue to be significantly over represented with RAAus accidents. Light, short moment tail wheel configuration aircraft require constant attention and high skill levels at all times during take off and landing and can catch out even very experienced pilots. Pilots are reminded to ensure that currency and skills are maintained in specific aircraft to reduce the risk of loss of control events particularly in tail wheel aircraft.
6/5/2016	OCC0666	Murray Bridge	SA	Flight Design	CTSW	Rotax	912	Pilot parked the aircraft in a designated parking bay and returned after a short period to taxi back...
Pilot parked the aircraft in a designated parking bay and returned after a short period to taxi back to the hanger. The pilot did not see a cone just off to their right and angled the plane to rejoin the taxiway - and ran over the cone. It was at very slow speed however destroyed the propeller. No other damage to the aircraft and the cone was scratched but not destroyed. OUTCOME: Pilot failed to apply appropriate situational awareness in taxi phase of flight and as a result experienced a propeller strike with a nearby taxi marker. Further investigation revealed that the pilot had operated the aircraft outside of the RAAus BFR requirements. Further the pilot was incorrectly advised by the aircraft maintainer of the inspection requirements that are required following a propeller strike for this aircraft as outlined in Rotax service letter SL-912-015. Pilot advised that certificate privileges were suspended pending an appropriate BFR and aircraft serviceability determined in accordance with rotax requirements.
6/5/2016	OCC0680	Seabird	WA	Jabiru	J250	Jabiru	3300	Aircraft operating under VFR entered IMC due to the weather deteriorated from the NAIPS forecast. O...
Aircraft operating under VFR entered IMC due to the weather deteriorated from the NAIPS forecast. OUTCOME: Pilot failed to maintain VMC flight due to stress of weather and continued to operate below VMC and required height minima's in order to reach his planned destination. Experienced pilots are reminded that HF considerations are paramount for successful flight outcomes and should not be compromised by years of experience or having "got away with it" in the past. Normalization of these behaviours unfortunately has led to tragedy in many recorded aviation accidents particularly in relation to continuing flights into marginal VMC.