Occurrences

Date	Occurrence #	Location	State	Aircraft	Model	Engine	Model	Summary
26/5/2017	OCC1057	Wedderburn Airport	NSW	Jabiru	J120C	Camit	2200	Coming in for full stop landing on 17, just prior to touchdown the aircraft lost directional control...
Coming in for full stop landing on 17, just prior to touchdown the aircraft lost directional control due to local gusting winds. In trying to correct the aircraft back onto the RWY, it hit a culvert running parallel to the RWY and as a result crossed the TWY and ended up in a hedge. OUTCOME: Possible factors include differences in aircraft response compared to the aircraft used to gain the Pilot Certificate and increased response time due to the pilots age. The pilot will complete further flights with an Instructor particularity as an order has been placed for a different brand of aircraft as a replacement. RAAus Operation Managers remind pilots of the importance of type training when flying a new aircraft and encouraged to seek assistance from Instructors if required.
24/5/2017	OCC1055	Moorabbin Airport	VIC	Aeroprakt	A22LS Foxbat	Rotax	912ULS	Pilot was conducting a training flight and as they turned downwind on RWY35 Right, ATC informed the ...
Pilot was conducting a training flight and as they turned downwind on RWY35 Right, ATC informed the Instructor to follow a Cessna 172 on late downwind. The Cessna 172 turned a really wide base (approximately 3 NM from the threshold of RWY35R). Therefore the aircraft was delayed during their turn onto base until about the same wide base position which resulted in a long final. There was another Cessna 172 behind the aircraft that was instructed to follow them. The Instructor saw the Cessna 172 turn base at the normal position for base (which seemed like the aircrafts would be getting close if the Cessna 172 continue continued on the path). The Instructor kept a visual of the Cessna 172 and thought/hoped they will initiate a go around, or that the ATC would instruct them to conduct a go around, due to how close the aircraft were. The Cessna 172 got closer until they ended up flying in the aircrafts blind spot (behind and above). The Instructor knew that they were in a slower aircraft compared to the Cessna 172 and therefore, for that reason, did not initiate a go around (Cessna 172 would have caught up to them and resulted in a near miss). When the Instructor lost visual with Cessna 172, they took over control from the student flying and began to fly a lower approach than normal. The Instructor couldn't displace their path to the right due to helicopters conducting circuits on the aircraft's right, and couldn't displace their path to the left due to an aircraft using RWY35 left. On short final (over the perimeter fence of Moorabbin) the Instructor got cleared a 'Touch & Go' whilst the Cessna 172 overtook them from above. The Instructor then made a call to ATC saying that they were being over taken, (after which the Cessna 172 was instructed to conduct a go around). Outcome: IM investigation completed and Airservices/Local ATC and Runway Safety group have now instigated a pilot program for defined training slot times at YMMB to address circuit and training area congestion.
23/5/2017	OCC1048	Caboolture	QLD	Jabiru	J160C	Jabiru	2200B	While the aircraft was on a take-off run, a kangaroo ran/hopped into the aircraft path and impacted ...
While the aircraft was on a take-off run, a kangaroo ran/hopped into the aircraft path and impacted with the aircraft causing mild damage to the propeller and engine. OUTCOME: Caboolture Airfield has had numerous reports of bird strikes however this is the first kangaroo strike reported to RAAus. Members are advised that the ERSA for this airfield has highlighted that kangaroo and bird strikes exist (see http://www.airservicesaustralia.com/aip/current/ersa/FAC_YCAB_25-May-2017.pdf for more information).
22/5/2017	OCC1049	Yangebup	WA	Jabiru	J230D	Jabiru	3300A	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: During a flight, the oil door became dislodged and eventually...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: During a flight, the oil door became dislodged and eventually departed the aircraft. The pilot diverted to a nearby airport to ensure no issues existed with the aircraft. Pilots are reminded of the importance of conducting a pre-flight on an aircraft with an expectation that the aircraft is un-airworthy until the inspection proves otherwise and maintainers must ensure any movement or wear of parts is not worse from one inspection cycle to the next.
21/5/2017	OCC1032	Wedderburn Airport	NSW	Jabiru	J230D	Jabiru	3300A	The pilot was conducting circuits and was climbing on crosswind (about to turn downwind) and what lo...
The pilot was conducting circuits and was climbing on crosswind (about to turn downwind) and what looked like a Piper Warrior flew straight towards the aircraft at the same altitude. The pilot took action and pushed the nose down. The other aircraft appeared to be flying into the sun towards the Camden area. No radio calls were heard by the pilot (which was confirmed by ground personnel). The pilot continued to do an orbit to join cross wind again on the dead side before conducting a full stop landing. OUTCOME: The reporter stated that possible factors that contributed to the incident was that the other aircraft was flying into direct sun, at circuit height. Additionally they did not conduct an overfly call for the area. RAAus Operations have reviewed the report - members are reminded that they should be aware of overfly procedures especially when planning any navigational flights which may include flying over airfield circuit areas. Due to the aircraft being VH registered RAAus has refered this matter to CASA for further action.
21/5/2017	OCC1054	Moorabbin Airport	VIC	Aeroprakt	Foxbat	Rotax	912 ULS	A student pilot was conducting solo circuits from RWY35R. On upwind, after a touch and go, the follo...
A student pilot was conducting solo circuits from RWY35R. On upwind, after a touch and go, the following C172 (EOE) overtook the student pilot, flying directly below and turning below the student on to crosswind. Separation between aircraft was approximately 10-15 meters. The student pilots Instructor was observed the incident from the windsock during the observation of the students solo flight. Determined Outcome: The incident was raised with Airservices Australia and tabled with the Moorabbin Runway Safety committee and an agreed trial programmes will be implemented by Airservices in conjunction with the aerodrome manager that includes specific measures to reduce circuit and training densities and risks of air proximity occurrences.
20/5/2017	OCC1051	Adelaide Soaring Club, Gawler	SA	I C P	Savannah	Rotax	912 ULS2	Pilot was on approach to RWY31 after returning from a nearby fly-in. The pilot broadcast their final...
Pilot was on approach to RWY31 after returning from a nearby fly-in. The pilot broadcast their final approach on RWY31 and lined up on the bitumen strip. The pilot noticed a glider parked on the bitumen at the threshold of RWY31 and a tug off to one side (with the engine shut down). The pilot moved their point of aim further down the strip to avoid the operation and set their throttle to idle. The pilot landed without incident however their aircraft was perceived to have approached low over the top of the glider. OUTCOME: The gliding club at this airfield have specific By Laws which relate to the operation of powered aircraft at this field. This pilot was unfamiliar with the club By Laws 7. Follow up with the Gliding Federation has given the following outcome to the report: The pilot of a powered aircraft conducted a low overflight of a glider awaiting a launch to land on the bitumen glider strip directly ahead rather than on the main gravel runway. The crew of the glider estimated separation to be about 40 feet. Aerodrome operating procedures require that powered aircraft pilots must use the gravel strip for landing when gliding operations are in progress. The pilot had developed a practice of landing on bitumen strips in preference to the gravel strips at the home airfield to reduce wear and tear on the aircraft. The pilot acknowledged that landing over the glider posed an unnecessary risk of collision, and has since reflected on their practice and re-familiarised themselves with the aerodrome operating procedures.
18/5/2017	OCC1053	Moorabbin Airport	VIC	The Airplane Factory	Sling 2 LSA	Rotax	912 IS	Upon landing on RWY17R (and decelerating below 30 knots) it became apparent that the aircraft's nose...
Upon landing on RWY17R (and decelerating below 30 knots) it became apparent that the aircraft's nosewheel was punctured and deflated. The ground run was difficult to control and the aircraft was vibrating. The pilot attempted to taxi the aircraft off the runway however the aircraft came to rest just before the intersection Alpha 4. OUTCOME: On investigation of the flat tyre the reporter stated that it was possibly due to runway debris. Tech Manager review the report and no further action required by RAAus.
17/5/2017	OCC1225	Watts Bridg Airfield	QLD	Home Built	Pup Replica	Rotec Radial	R3600	While doing taxi trials the aeroplane developed a ground loop that the pilot could not stop. The air...
While doing taxi trials the aeroplane developed a ground loop that the pilot could not stop. The aircraft has no brakes and is fitted with a tail skid, as per the normal Sopwith Pup. When the port lower plane dug in, the aeroplane came to rest inverted with little structural damage. DETERMINED OUTCOME: Due to hard ground, a tail wind and insufficient rudder area, the amateur built aircraft ground looped. The pilot has modified the rudder size, added additional surfaces to improve tail skid traction and amended processes to ensure ground assistance is available when taxiing in a tail wind.
16/5/2017	OCC1065	Murwillumbah	NSW	Monnett	Sonerai II-I	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. A special Enews was sent to members to inform them of the events https://www.vision6.com.au/em/message/email/view.php?id=1298289&u=70000&k=pn7wPDOMSgGx5f82JXOjAndtBYWJFwEB0JCnUmVwFWQ The Corner has dispensed with holding an inquest for this accident. The Coroner found that the pilot died from injuries as a result of the aircraft crash. Human factors may have contributed to the accident
15/5/2017	OCC1035	Grampians	VIC	Airborne	XT912S	Rotax	912	Relatively inexperienced pilot joined the circuit midfield (crosswind from the wrong direction) at t...
Relatively inexperienced pilot joined the circuit midfield (crosswind from the wrong direction) at the same time as the reporting pilots aircraft joined midfield (cross wind from the correct side). This resulted in both aircraft being overhead the runway at the same time and only separated by 40-50 meters. The pilot realised his error and vacated the circuit area to reassess the runway alignment and broadcasted intentions correctly. Both aircraft were microlights on a club trip, which included experienced pilots and two instructors (CFI and the pilot's own instructor). OUTCOME: The inexperienced pilot was unfamiliar with the airstrip which caused an incorrect reading of the runway direction (including anxiety of the inexperienced pilot wanting to land asap due to turbulence). inexperienced pilot has been counselled by two Instructors and other club members and fully understands the error made. The club will ensure inexperienced pilots are briefed to use more caution approaching unfamiliar runways. observe and wait for others to land to confirm duty runway and its orientation and generally learn from the actions of more experienced pilots on club trips. The pilot was fully prepared with flight planning however did not recognise the orientation of the airstrip and lost situational awareness which could be been gained by observing other aircraft and responding to circuit calls. The pilot has learned much from the incident. RAAus Operations have reviewed the report - no further actions required.
14/5/2017	OCC1034	Emkaytee Airfield	NT	Austflight ULA	Drifter Sb-582	Rotax	582 UL DCDI	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: DEFECT: During a maintenance period inspection, a crack was d...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: DEFECT: During a maintenance period inspection, a crack was detected in the bracket that supports the centre supporting pole (in the front A Frame and landing gear bracket). Upon removal it was found to be cracked through and extremely flexible. Pieces of the bracket fell away when lifted and the rear bolt hole was elongated. Aircraft has been grounded until a replacement bracket can be located. Determined Outcome: Aircraft being repaired. No further action required by RAAus.
13/5/2017	OCC1033	Sth Goulburn Island	NT	Jabiru	j120C	Jabiru	2200B	While taxiing, the aircraft became unstable. As the pilot was turning to return to the apron the win...
While taxiing, the aircraft became unstable. As the pilot was turning to return to the apron the wind gust upset the plane which resulted in a wingtip and propeller touching the surface of the runway. OUTCOME: Pilot advised that lessons learnt were to gain better aileron control and situational awareness when ground handling the aircraft. RAAus Operations have reviewed the information and proposed corrective actions, no further actions required. Members are reminded that awareness of ground handling is required.
12/5/2017	OCC1027	Warnervale Airport	NSW	Aeroprakt	A22LS Foxbat	Rotax	912	The engineer employed by Aircraft Owner was taxiing aircraft from its hangar to maintenance hangar f...
The engineer employed by Aircraft Owner was taxiing aircraft from its hangar to maintenance hangar for 50 hourly. As the aircraft reached a slight rise, the nose wheel lifted. The aircraft proceeded to leave the taxiway and collided with a fence and flag pole causing extensive damage to the port wing and snapping a propeller blade. DETERMINED OUTCOME: It is possible that the individual responsible for taxiing this aircraft was used to GA aircraft and may not have been familiar with the differences in ground handling characteristics of some recreational aircraft.
9/5/2017	OCC1024	Wagga Wagga	NSW	Tecnam	P92 Eaglet	Rotax	912 ULS	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: DEFECT: The flap cross tube actuator arm was found with a cra...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: DEFECT: The flap cross tube actuator arm was found with a cracked weld toe at the junction (from the actuator arm to cross tube). Owner has contacted manufacturer who is looking at the cracked weld to determine a possible causal factor which may be a fault in the manufacture of the cross tube assembly. DETERMINED OUTCOME: RAAus Technical Manager has notified the factory.