Occurrences

Date	Occurrence #	Location	State	Aircraft	Model	Engine	Model	Summary
16/9/2016	OCC0754	9 nm North of White Gum	WA	Liteflite	Dragonfly	Rotax	912	On take-off from a narrow strip in a cropped paddock the pilot misjudged directional control of the ...
On take-off from a narrow strip in a cropped paddock the pilot misjudged directional control of the aircraft. The aircraft veered off towards the side of the cleared strip and the undercarriage dragged through the heavy crop. The pilot immediately closed the throttle to abort the take-off. The drag of the crop on the undercarriage caused the aircraft to flip over upside down. OUTCOME: Pilot had previously operated from the paddock, which was sown with a different crop this year. The crop this year had a thicker and bushier growth, which caught the pilot out, resulting in the Runway-Loss of control (R-LOC) event. The pilot has also correctly identified this as an example of Normalisation of Deviance.
14/9/2016	OCC0794	12NM East of Jandakot	WA	Evektor	Sport star	Rotax	912 ULS	A CFI was conducting an Cross Country Endorsement. The student departed the runway and was busy sett...
A CFI was conducting an Cross Country Endorsement. The student departed the runway and was busy setting their heading and organising the cockpit and logs however, unfortunately they did not take the time to trim the aircraft. As it was a test the CFI was reluctant to interfere. Due to the student being so involved in the cockpit they did not realise they had started to climb. The aircraft then entered thermal activity which resulted in a rapid climb to 4000 ft. The CFI then immediately took control and descended to clear Class C airspace and spoke to ATC. OUTCOME: During a navigation flight test, the candidate did not trim the aircraft to ensure maintenance of height, and allowed in cockpit tasks to distract from managing the aircraft height. The CFI took over, manoeuvred the aircraft clear of airspace and contacted ATC to explain. The CFI will work further with the candidate to ensure aircraft is stabilised prior to beginning in cockpit tasks, particularly when operating close to CTA steps.
12/9/2016	OCC0750	Emkaytee Airfield	NT	Jabiru	230	Jabiru	J3300A	After finishing the pre take-off checks the pilot commenced to taxi onto the RWY and did not see the...
After finishing the pre take-off checks the pilot commenced to taxi onto the RWY and did not see the obstruction (landing light) under the nose. The pilot felt the aircraft pitch down and realised they had collided with a ground object. The pilot immediately turned off the switches and on exiting the aircraft noticed that the nose wheel had hit a tyre protecting a landing light thus causing the propeller strike. OUTCOME: Pilot was parking in an area that had an obstruction that can not be seen from the cockpit. Operations has reviewed the report and no further action is required.
11/9/2016	OCC0758	Goolwa	SA	Tecnam	P2002 Sierra	Rotax	912 ULS	OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: DEFECT: While carrying out an annual maintenance inspection o...
OCCURRENCE DETAILS SUBMITTED TO RAAUS: DEFECT: While carrying out an annual maintenance inspection on the airframe one lateral undercarriage retaining bolt was found to be broken. The bolt had sheared at the base of the retaining nut and also the head of the bolt. The only remaining part was the nut, the rest had fallen out of the airframe. At each of the previous annual/ 100 hr inspections the nuts had been checked, torque loaded, and the nuts had been checked as complying with Tecnam Service Bulletin No23-UL and RAAus Airworthy Notice 070807-1 dated 9 Sept 2007. OUTCOME: Appropriate service bulletins and notifications have be issued to draw attention to this area that was inspected during maintenance. Members are reminded that other factors such as a heavy landing or incorrect torque procedures (even un-calibrated torque wrenches) can also cause the bolts to fail.
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.